Hepatitis
Hepatitis affects millions of people yet in many instances, those who are infected aren’t aware of it because they may not exhibit any symptoms. This Web guide can familiarize you with the types of hepatitis, help you understand how it is spread, and explain what you can do to avoid contracting hepatitis.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. According to the World Health Organization, there are five main types of hepatitis, labeled with the letters A through E. The resources recommended in this section of the guide can help you learn more about hepatitis in general, or research a specific type of hepatitis.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you prefer hard copies of educational materials about hepatitis, organizations like the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) have free information packets available by request.
- Two forms of hepatitis—types F and G—have very limited information available.
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For an overview of hepatitis …
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
contains a brief explanation of what hepatitis is, and details its variations. The site also explains who is at risk for different versions of the virus.
The National Women’s Health Information Center
answers some frequently asked questions about hepatitis, such as how it is contracted, whether it’s safe to visit someone who has hepatitis and for women, whether they can breastfeed a baby if they have hepatitis B.
KidsHealth
provides an age-appropriate explanation of hepatitis to help young children understand what this disease is and how it affects a person.
To learn about the types of hepatitis …
Hepatitis Foundation International
gives readers a quick rundown of facts about hepatitis A, B and C, and explains what can be done to prevent infection. Don’t miss the valuable page on how to live with these viruses without placing yourself or others at risk.
The American Social Health Association
offers overviews of hepatitis D and hepatitis E, with discussions of how common both versions of the virus are, methods of transmission, symptoms and more.
Who knew?
HIV InSite
notes that a hepatitis “coinfection” is common for HIV patients. This site is part of the University of California, San Francisco.
Hepatitis Symptoms and Diagnosis
Learning the symptoms of hepatitis and obtaining a correct medical diagnosis are key steps toward managing this condition appropriately. The Web sites listed below can help you learn some common indicators of hepatitis and understand what to expect as your physician tests for the condition.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Where your health is concerned, it’s imperative that you use credible Web sites for information. The findingDulcinea Health Web Guide points you to trustworthy online medical resources. However, your physician should be your primary authority on health matters.
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For hepatitis symptoms …
The New York Times
Health Guide features a section on hepatitis. Use the links under the Overview section at the left to find hepatitis symptoms and learn when to contact a doctor if you are showing these signs. Prognosis information and complication risks are also available.
For diagnosis and testing information …
Hepatitis Foundation International
offers diagnosis and testing information for the different types of hepatitis.
Lab Tests Online
explains the various tests that can be performed to detect a potential problem in the liver, including hepatitis.
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
has a discussion on who should be screened for certain types of hepatitis and why.
Hepatitis Treatment and Prevention
If you have questions about how hepatitis is treated, or need assistance finding a doctor who can help, use the Web sites in this section to get the information you need.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Hepatitis A does not become a chronic condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Much of the hepatitis treatment information you find will likely concern types B and C.
- The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) has reported that people with hepatitis B are generally at risk for contracting hepatitis D. Hepatitis E is a condition that often resolves on its own. Treatment information for these two types of hepatitis may be limited or, in the case of hepatitis D, paired with hepatitis B facts.
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For treatment information …
Mayo Clinic
explains how hepatitis A is treated and what you can do to prevent the virus.
The Hepatitis B Foundation
details the various drugs that can be used to treat someone with a hepatitis B infection.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs
explains how the medications ribavirin and interferon are used to treat hepatitis C, and what effects they may have on a person.
To learn about liver transplants …
MedlinePlus
explains why a liver transplant may be necessary, lists the risks associated with the procedure and discusses other problems related to the procedure, such as the cost of surgery.
To find a doctor …
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
contains a search tool to help you find a hepatologist in your area.
For help finding clinical trials …
ClinicalTrials.gov
, a clearinghouse operated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, provides a list of clinical trials currently underway to research hepatitis. To learn more about clinical trials, speak to your doctor, and read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guide.
For prevention information …
The Immunization Action Coalition
provides a directory of programs around the country aimed at helping various groups of people prevent the spread of hepatitis, including programs for Asian Pacific Islander Americans, school-based programs and homeless programs.
Finding Support for Hepatitis
A hepatitis diagnosis may feel daunting, but support resources are available to make your experience less of a struggle. Browse the resources included in this section for help connecting with others who are living with hepatitis.
Dulcinea's Insight
- As with any message board or online community, be selective about the personally identifying information you share online.
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For hepatitis message boards …
Hepatitis Neighborhood
features message boards and chat rooms for patients with hepatitis. Complete the free registration to participate. This site is also an excellent resource for learning how to tell your friends and family about a hepatitis diagnosis, and for finding the right mental and emotional support resources.
WebMD
offers message boards related to hepatitis C, liver and kidney disease, alternative health and more. Membership is required to post messages.
To find a hepatitis support group …
Hepatitis Foundation International
helps hepatitis patients find a support group near them, or offers assistance in setting up a support group.
To get proactive …
The American Liver Foundation
presents fundraising opportunities and events to raise awareness about liver-related diseases, such as the Liver Life Walk, the Think B Campaign and the Liver Life Challenge. There’s also a support group page for people who want to participate in discussions about liver disease and talk with people in similar circumstances.
The Hepatitis Research Foundation
is dedicated to raising funds for the creation of an affordable hepatitis B and hepatitis C vaccine for the developing world. Find out how to donate to the effort, or learn more about hepatitis B and C here.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
