Hepatitis is a sickness that causes swelling in the liver. Your liver is a very important part of your body. It helps clean your blood, store energy, and break down food.
When the liver is swollen or damaged, it can stop working well. This can make you feel very sick or even lead to serious health problems.
Types of Liver Inflammation
There are five main types of liver inflammation: A, B, C, D, and E.
Hepatitis A and E usually spread through dirty food or water.
Hepatitis B, C, and D can spread through blood, sharing needles, or unprotected sex.
Hepatitis B can also pass from a mother to her baby during birth.
Signs to Watch Out For
Some people with hepatitis don’t feel sick at all. But for others, signs may show up like:
Feeling very tired
Yellow eyes or yellow skin (called jaundice)
Pain in the belly, especially on the right side
Dark-coloured urine (pee)
Nausea or feeling like vomiting
Loss of appetite
If you feel any of these, it’s important to visit a doctor quickly.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Some people are more likely to get hepatitis. These include:
Health workers who deal with blood
People who share needles (e.g., for drugs or tattoos)
Babies born to mothers with hepatitis
People who have unprotected sex with someone who has hepatitis
People living in areas with poor water and sanitation
How to Stay Safe
You can protect yourself and your family from liver inflammation. Here’s how:
Get vaccinated: There are safe vaccines for hepatitis A and B.
Use clean needles: Whether for medical use, tattoos, or piercings.
Practice safe sex: Use protection to avoid spreading infections.
Wash your hands: Before eating and after using the toilet.
Do not share sharp objects: Like razors, clippers, or toothbrushes.
Can Hepatitis Be Treated?
Yes. Some types like Hepatitis A go away on their own. Others like B and C may need medicine.
The earlier you find out, the better your chances of staying healthy.
Regular checkups can help catch the sickness early.
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