Hepatitis, a condition where the liver is inflamed and subsequently damaged, is primarily caused by preventable infections. Globally, five viruses – A, B, C, D and E – cause viral hepatitis. Other causes of hepatitis include autoimmune hepatitis, and those that occur as a side effect of drugs, drugs, toxins and alcohol. The first occurs when the body creates antibodies against its own liver tissue.
While the liver can fight only hepatitis infection in many cases, others become chronic infections that leave long-term sequelae on health.
Here are some facts about the disease that many people do not know:
Symptoms May Take Weeks or Months Hepatitis is often difficult to detect because it manifests itself in mild flu-like symptoms – fatigue, fever and body aches – which are most often overlooked by individuals. Other serious symptoms such as rashes, weight loss and yellowing of the skin, urine and eyes (commonly known as jaundice) may take weeks or months to appear.