Show Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a hepatitis virus. Although there are several types of hepatitis infections, the three most common in the United States are Hepatitis A, B, and C. Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through fecal contamination of food and water as well as anal or oral contact. It is also
considered the least threatening since it usually does not lead to liver damage and 99% of those infected are able recover fully. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are serious viral diseases that can become chronic and attack the liver. They are blood-borne viruses that require contact with infected blood and body fluids. Read the
Hepatitis A Fact Sheet [PDF] HAV is usually spread from one person to another by putting something in the mouth (even though it may look clean) that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A infection. This type of transmission is called "fecal-oral." For this reason, the virus is more easily spread in areas with poor sanitary
conditions or where good personal hygiene is not consistently observed. There is a vaccine for HAV. HAV does not lead to a chronic infection.
Who is most at risk for HAV infection?
What are the best ways to prevent Hepatitis A transmission?
Hepatitis B (HBV)Read the Hepatitis B Fact Sheet [PDF] Hepatitis B virus is spread through contact with the blood and certain other body fluids of an infected person. HBV is very similar to HIV in the ways that it is transmitted, but is more easily transmitted. In people with HBV, the virus is present in blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. There is a vaccine for HBV. HBV can also lead to a chronic condition. What are the most common ways that hepatitis B (HBV) virus transmission occurs?
Who is most at risk for HBV infection?
What are the best ways to prevent Hepatitis B transmission?
Hepatitis C (HCV)Read the Hepatitis C Fact Sheet [PDF] Hepatitis C virus is transmitted through direct blood-to-blood contact. Any activity that lets one person’s blood come into contact with another person’s blood can potentially transmit HCV. Transmission can occur by sharing needles or other “works” to inject drugs; high-risk sex with an infected person; occupational exposure to infected blood; tattooing/body piercing with contaminated equipment; mother-to-infant; the use of blood products such as clotting factor prior to 1988 and, through blood transfusions and tissue transplants prior to mid-1992. Transmission through intranasal drug use (i.e. sharing straws to snort drugs) is still unclear. There is no vaccine for HCV. HCV can also lead to a chronic condition. What are the most common ways that hepatitis C (HCV) virus transmission occurs?
Who is most at risk for HCV infection?
What are the best ways to prevent Hepatitis C transmission?
Which hepatitis is transmitted by contaminated food or water?Hepatitis A is caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV). Transmission occurs by the fecal-oral route, either by direct contact with an HAV-infected person or by ingestion of HAV-contaminated food or water. Foodborne or waterborne hepatitis A outbreaks are relatively uncommon in the United States.
Which form of hepatitis can be passed on through contaminated food or water quizlet?You didn't answer this question. Often called infectious hepatitis, both hepatitis A and hepatitis E can easily be spread from one person to another. Infectious hepatitis spreads when a person unknowingly picks up the virus from objects, food, or water contaminated with stool from an infected person.
What causes hepatitis A and B?Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is often caused by a virus. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
How is food contaminated with hepatitis A?You eat or drink food or water that has been contaminated by stools (feces) containing the hepatitis A virus. Unpeeled and uncooked fruits and vegetables, shellfish, ice, and water are common sources of the disease.
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