Viral hepatitis is a common liver disease caused mainly by viral infections. Viral hepatitis can be classified into various types according to different virus types.
1.Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is hepatitis caused by the hepatitis A virus (H**). The virus is mainly transmitted through the digestive tract, known as infection through the fecal-oral route. Patients with hepatitis A are the main source of infection, usually showing symptoms 2-6 weeks (about half to 3 months) after infection.
2.Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is hepatitis caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is mainly transmitted through blood, body fluids, and mother-to-child. Long-term presence of the hepatitis B virus in the body can develop into a slow infection and may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
3.Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is hepatitis caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is transmitted in a similar way to hepatitis B and includes blood-born, mother-to-child and sexual transmission. Hepatitis C is more contagious and spreads faster than hepatitis B.
4.Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D is a disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV), which can only co-exist with the hepatitis B virus. HDV is dependent on the hepatitis B virus as a host and replicates itself, so people infected with hepatitis D are often infected with hepatitis B as well.
5.Hepatitis E: Hepatitis E is hepatitis caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). HEV is mainly infected through the digestive tract and contact, such as water contamination and food contamination. People with hepatitis E usually develop symptoms 1-2 weeks after infection.
These are the main types of viral hepatitis and their characteristics. Viral hepatitis is a preventable disease, and measures such as regular vaccination, avoiding unclean diets, and blood exposure can effectively reduce the risk of infection. If you have any concerns, seek prompt medical attention and follow your doctor's recommendations**.