The ABCs Of Hepatitis.pdf

HEPATITIS A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), HEPATITIS B by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and HEPATITIS C by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). US statistics show estimated new infections and people living with chronic infections: 24,900 (HAV) and 21,600 (HBV) new infections in 2018, 862,000 (HBV) and 2.4 million (HCV) people living with chronic infections in 2016, and 50,300 (HCV) new infections in 2018. Transmission routes vary: HAV through fecal-oral contact, HBV through blood, semen, and other body fluids, and HCV through direct percutaneous exposure to infectious blood. Incubation periods range from 15-50 days (HAV), 60-150 days (HBV), and 14-182 days (HCV). Symptoms of acute infection are similar and include jaundice, fever, fatigue, and abdominal pain. The likelihood of symptomatic acute infection and potential for chronic infection also vary among the three types. Serologic tests and testing recommendations are outlined for acute and chronic infections. Treatment options include supportive treatment for acute cases and antiviral drugs for chronic cases, with over 90% of people with hepatitis C able to be cured. Vaccination recommendations are provided for children, people at increased risk, and others.