What Are Hepatitis B and C?
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are viral infections that affect the liver, causing inflammation and potential liver damage. While both viruses share some similarities, such as their mode of transmission and impact on the liver, they have distinct differences in terms of symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and prevention.
Hepatitis B (HBV): Caused by the hepatitis B virus, this infection can be either acute or chronic. Acute infection refers to a short-term illness that typically lasts a few weeks, while chronic infection can last for years and lead to serious liver complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis C (HCV): Caused by the hepatitis C virus, this infection is almost always chronic. Chronic hepatitis C can lead to long-term liver damage, cirrhosis, and an increased risk of liver cancer. The infection can be asymptomatic for many years before liver damage becomes apparent.
How Are Hepatitis B and C Transmitted?
Both hepatitis B and C are primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood, but they differ in their methods of transmission:
- Hepatitis B:
- Blood: Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia, receiving unclean tattoos or piercings.
- Sexual Contact: Hepatitis B is highly contagious through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
- Mother to Child: Pregnant women with hepatitis B can transmit the virus to their babies during childbirth.
- Needle Stick Injuries: Healthcare workers are at higher risk due to potential exposure to infected blood.
- Hepatitis C:
- Blood: The primary mode of transmission is through blood-to-blood contact. The most common route is sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia.
- Medical Procedures: Unsafe medical practices, such as sharing needles in healthcare settings, or receiving unscreened blood transfusions, can spread hepatitis C.
- Sexual Contact: Though less common than for hepatitis B, hepatitis C can be transmitted through sexual contact, especially if there are open cuts or sores.
- Mother to Child: Hepatitis C can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth, though the risk is much lower than with hepatitis B.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B and C
Many people with hepatitis B or C don’t show symptoms for many years, especially during the early stages of infection. However, if symptoms do occur, they can range from mild to severe.
Hepatitis B Symptoms:
- Acute infection: Fatigue, abdominal pain (especially in the upper right side), dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
- Chronic infection: Chronic hepatitis B may not cause noticeable symptoms until significant liver damage occurs (cirrhosis or liver cancer). If symptoms appear, they may mirror those of acute infection.
Hepatitis C Symptoms:
- Acute infection: Most people with hepatitis C do not have symptoms during the early stage. If symptoms do occur, they may include fatigue, nausea, muscle pain, joint pain, and jaundice.
- Chronic infection: As with hepatitis B, many people with chronic hepatitis C don’t experience symptoms for years. Over time, symptoms such as abdominal pain, swelling (ascites), dark urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes may occur due to cirrhosis or liver failure.
Diagnosis of Hepatitis B and C
Both hepatitis B and C can be diagnosed through blood tests.
Hepatitis B Diagnosis:
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg): Indicates active infection with the virus.
- Hepatitis B Antibody Tests: Determines whether a person has been exposed to the virus or has immunity.
- Viral Load: Measures the amount of hepatitis B virus in the blood.
- Liver Function Tests: Assess how well the liver is functioning and whether there is liver damage.
Hepatitis C Diagnosis:
- HCV Antibody Test: This initial test checks for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus, indicating past or current infection.
- HCV RNA Test: A PCR test that detects the presence of the virus and measures the viral load.
- HCV Genotype Test: Determines the strain of the virus, which can help guide treatment options.
- Liver Biopsy or Imaging: To assess liver damage (fibrosis or cirrhosis) and determine the need for treatment.
Treatment of Hepatitis B and C
Both hepatitis B and C are treatable, but the approach varies depending on the infection type, the severity of liver damage, and individual health factors.
Hepatitis B Treatment:
- Acute Hepatitis B: Most people recover from acute hepatitis B without the need for specific treatment, though antivirals may be prescribed for severe cases.
- Chronic Hepatitis B: Chronic infection often requires long-term treatment with antiviral medications to reduce the viral load and prevent liver damage. Common medications include tenofovir and entecavir.
- Liver Monitoring: Regular liver function tests, ultrasounds, and sometimes liver biopsies are required to monitor liver health and check for signs of cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Hepatitis C Treatment:
- Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs): Hepatitis C is highly treatable with the newer generation of antiviral medications, which are often taken as a pill for 8-12 weeks. These drugs, such as sofosbuvir and glecaprevir-pibrentasvir, can cure up to 95% of people with hepatitis C.
- Liver Monitoring: In people with chronic hepatitis C, regular monitoring of liver function and testing for cirrhosis is important. In some cases, a liver transplant may be necessary if cirrhosis or liver failure occurs.
Prevention of Hepatitis B and C
Hepatitis B Prevention:
- Vaccination: The hepatitis B vaccine is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis B infection. It is recommended for infants, healthcare workers, people with high-risk behaviors, and anyone who may be exposed to the virus.
- Avoid Sharing Needles: Avoid sharing personal items like razors, toothbrushes, or drug paraphernalia that may come into contact with infected blood.
- Safe Sex Practices: Using condoms during sexual activity can reduce the risk of transmission.
- Screening: Pregnant women should be screened for hepatitis B to prevent transmission to the baby.
Hepatitis C Prevention:
- Avoid Sharing Needles: Hepatitis C is primarily spread through sharing needles or drug equipment. If you inject drugs, using clean needles each time is crucial.
- Safe Blood Products: Blood transfusions and organ donations are screened for hepatitis C to prevent transmission.
- Safe Sex Practices: While less common, hepatitis C can be transmitted through unprotected sex, especially among individuals with multiple sexual partners or those with HIV.
Living with Hepatitis B or C
While both hepatitis B and C can lead to serious liver damage if left untreated, people living with either infection can lead normal, healthy lives with appropriate treatment and monitoring. Managing hepatitis involves regular check-ups, following prescribed treatment regimens, and making lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol, and staying active.
