9 Myths About Hepatitis That You Should Know

Hepatitis is a term that is used to describe inflammation of the liver that can lead to other health problems and in some cases even death.

Myth 1: There is only one type of hepatitis

There are different types of hepatitis:
• Viral hepatitis: This is the most common type and includes hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
• Alcoholic hepatitis: Caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
• Toxic hepatitis: Caused by exposure to certain poisons, chemical products, medications, and supplements.
• Autoimmune hepatitis: A chronic type of hepatitis in which the immune system attacks the liver.

Myth 2: Hepatitis can be easily identified by its symptoms

When we talk about hepatitis, the first thought that comes to mind is jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). However, the symptoms depend on the type of hepatitis. 

They include:
• Abdominal or joint pain
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Dark urine or stool
• Loss of appetite

Myth 3: Hepatitis is a genetic condition

In rare cases, hepatitis can be transmitted from a mother to a child during birth (around 2% of cases).

Myth 4: Hepatitis can be transmitted through contact

It is important to understand that different types of hepatitis are transmitted in different ways.
Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through contact with food or water that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Hepatitis E can also be caused by consuming undercooked pork or seafood.
On the other hand, hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person.

Myth 5: Hepatitis is transmitted through sexual activity

Hepatitis B and D are transmitted through contact with the blood of a person with the disease, but they can also be spread through contact with other body fluids, such as during unprotected sexual contact.

Myth 6: There are vaccines for the different types of hepatitis

There are only vaccines for hepatitis A and B. Both vaccines require two and three doses to complete the series.

Myth 7: Hepatitis cannot be treated

Rest and hydration can help treat hepatitis. There are also different medical treatments for this condition, which will depend on the type of hepatitis and whether it is acute or chronic.

Myth 8: You cannot get hepatitis C more than once

There is a popular belief that once you receive treatment for hepatitis C, you can’t get it again. But you can be reinfected after the virus is eliminated naturally or with medications.

Myth 9: It is impossible to prevent hepatitis

There are different ways to prevent hepatitis, depending on what type it is. For example, not drinking too much alcohol helps prevent alcoholic hepatitis, whereas getting the hepatitis A and B vaccines reduces your risk of getting those types.