Hepatitis ABC

It's important to know your Hepatitis ABC risk. Hepatitis AB or C is another silent but deadly killer. May 19th marked world Hepatitis day. That's right, Hepatitis has its own "world day"! There are millions of individuals infected with Hepatitis. Public awareness is one of the most important factors in fighting the disease. President Obama spoke on world hepatitis day. He stated that "Millions of Americans are infected by viral Hepatitis, and too many do not know that they are infected". With a disease that millions are affected by there is certainly little knowledge amongst average person.
Hepatitis A is a liver infection that ultimately affects an individuals liver function. Individuals typically contract Hepatitis A through contaminated food or drink. An individual may also contract the disease by being in contact with a person who already has the disease. Though serious, if the case is mild enough an individual could recover with no treatment. Hand washing and general good hygiene is the best way to avoid Hepatitis A. However, vaccines are available for individuals who have more severe cases. Symptoms of Hepatitis A include fatigue, nausea, fever, itching, muscle pain and jaundice as well as abdominal pain.
Hepatitis B, has some similarities to Hepatitis A as they both affect liver function. Most adults who contract Hepatitis B stand a good chance of full recovery. However, infants and children are more likely to experience more difficulties with the disease. There is no cure for Hepatitis B but there is a vaccine that can prevent it. Symptoms include abdominal pain, dark urine, weakness, loss of appetite and jaundice. Common ways to contract the disease include sexual contact (which includes an infected partners saliva entering your body), needle sharing and infected pregnant women have been known to pass the disease on to their child during childbirth. Some complications include: Liver inflammation, which can lead to liver scarring. Liver scarring can affect the liver's ability to function, Liver cancer and Kidney problems, which may ultimately lead to kidney failure.