Oshey Kafui Amanyoh

Energy well channeled produces life changing outcomes

Don’t overload your mind. One task at a time. Have a stress free life.

Today, we live and work in a society in which substance abuse is omnipresent. It is a major problem confronting Canada, the United States, and other countries around the world and is the leading cause of crime, health problems, and child abuse. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the use of psychoactive substances around the world is estimated at 2 billion alcohol users, 1.3 billion smokers, and as of 2015, 255 million illicit drug users, up from 185 million several years ago. Substance abuse was estimated to be responsible for 12.4% of all annual deaths worldwide (World Health Organization: Substance Abuse Facts). Substance abuse adversely affects our schools and the education of our children; it divides and destroys families, significantly strains the economy of entire communities, and impairs competition in business and industry. Substance abuse is a threat to our society, negatively impacting public safety through crime, accident, disease, and other perils. It destroys the human will and denies dreams. Substance abuse does not discriminate. It favors no race, age group, intelligence level, social or economic status, or gender. It consumes anyone who dares to embrace its false promises of perpetual self-gratification and well-being.

Get vaccinated, let's defeat COVID-19

Vaccine is not a cure.
Vaccine protects us (non infected) from being infected and so does prevent us from spreading the virus or infection to others.

Across the country we have been yelling for normalcy of life thus we getting back to social and economic life yet.....
We are infidel in observing the minor preventive measures to limit the spread of the virus.
Our funerals are more than we have been advised. Same goes with our marriages not to talk of markets.

For us to have life back to normal, the COVID-19 vaccine is a sure bet. For this reason I entreat all of us that fall within the eligibility criteria to get the shots of the vaccine.

Together, we can defeat this virus.

Ghana has initiated vaccination program since 1978 against 6 killer diseases now 13.
The benefit is there to see.
COVID-19 vaccine is not the 1st

If you care about others, wear your mask because you don't know who's carrying the virus about.

Practice Good Health Habits During Festive Season…. Joseph Degley

http://www.jubileeradio.net/general/practice-good-health-habits-during-festive-season-joseph-degley/

Practice Good Health Habits During Festive Season…. Joseph Degley By Our Editor The Ketu South Municipal director of health services Joseph Kwami Degley has advised the general public to practice Good health habits especially to adhere to laid down COVID 19 protocols during these Festive

Sub-national Polio immunization is taking off on the 10th-13th September, 2020. It is targeted at capturing 4.5million children under 5years in 9rgions of Ghana.

Please let's be part of this fight against polio. How? You pass this information onto others, encourage parents and caregivers of children between the ages of 0-59months to allow their children to be vaccinated against this disease.

SYNOPSIS mOPV 2 POLIO CAMPAIGN

Ghana confirmed two events of Polio Virus type 2 in environmental surveillance samples in Koblimagu in Tamale Metropolis (Northern Region) and in Agbogbloshie in Accra Metropolis (Greater Accra Region) in July and August 2019 respectively. The first human case of Polio Virus type 2 was also confirmed in August 2019 in a sample from a 2 years 9-month old girl in Chereponi District (North East Region) who developed Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) or floppy lower limbs. The outbreak has been liked to an ongoing outbreak in the West African sub region. It must be emphasized that if a population is fully immunized, they will be protected against all forms of polioviruses; hence the need to ensure all eligible children receive all routine vaccinations on time.

Polio outbreaks and events require a vaccination response with an appropriate type-specific polio vaccine within 14 days of laboratory notification in order to break transmission. Ghana therefore responded aggressively to the outbreaks with immediate response actions such as enhanced active surveillance activities and vaccination campaigns in Ahafo, Bono, Bono East, Greater Accra, Northern, North East, Oti, Savannah and Upper East regions which were either affected or at a very high risk of local transmission. Two to three rounds of polio campaigns have been conducted in these nine regions from August 2019 to February 2020. In addition, two to three rounds of polio vaccination campaign activities were initiated in Ashanti, Eastern and Volta regions in March 2020; however, the COVID-19 situation resulted in the suspension of the response activities.
Unfortunately, additional floppy paralysis cases have been detected in other regions and in Greater Accra, bringing the total number of polio virus type 2 cases since July 2019 to 31. Currently, 11 out of the 16 regions in the country have confirmed at least a case and or reported an environmental event of type 2 polio outbreak. Following, a systematic risk assessment of the current polio situation in the country, eight regions namely, Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Volta, Upper West, Western and Western North regions are either affected or stand a very high risk of local transmission.
In view of the above, the Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service, and partners have planned to conduct a sub-national polio immunization campaign in all 179 districts in these eight regions. Over four and a half million children who are less than five years are targeted to be vaccinated. All districts in Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Volta, Upper West, Western and Western North regions will participate in the vaccination campaign exercise.

Round 1: 10th -13th, September-2020 (All Districts in Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Volta, Upper West, Western and Western North regions)
Round 2: 8th -11th October-2020 ((All Districts in Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Volta, Upper West, Western and Western North regions)
In order to prevent further transmission, a comprehensive response that includes advocacy, communication and social mobilization on vaccination and environmental hygiene is being intensified.
Strategies for Polio Eradication
Routine immunization of all children under one year of age with 4 doses of polio vaccine (OPV) given at four weekly intervals.
Mass campaigns known as National Immunization Days (NIDs), which, over a few days vaccinate all children under 5 years of age regardless of one’s immunization status.
Effective surveillance to find and investigate every newly paralysed child below the age of fifteen (15) years to determine if the case is polio.
Mop up immunization for districts which report cases of wild poliovirus.

The teams have been provided with facemasks and alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean their hands before and after vaccinating each child. Your safety is of paramount concern to the Service.

What is Polio?
Polio is an infectious disease which may affect the spinal cord causing muscle weakness and paralysis. It causes lameness in the arm, legs or upper part of the body.
How is the polio virus transmitted?
The polio virus is passed from person to person through faeces. It enters the body through the mouth, usually from hands contaminated with the faeces of an infected person .
One can also be infected by drinking or eating food contaminated with faeces from an infected person.
Who is at risk of getting polio?
Polio affects both children and adults, but children under 5 years of age are most at risk.
People who live in areas with poor sanitation are also at high risk of contracting polio.
As long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of contracting polio.
What are the risk factors?
Low immunisation coverage
Poor sanitation and hygiene, especially open defeacation and poor hand washing practices
Over crowded areas and dwellings.

What is the incubation period?
An infected person may spread the virus to others immediately before and about 1 to 2 weeks after symptoms appear. The virus can live in an infected person’s faeces for many weeks. It can contaminate food and water in unsanitary conditions.
What are the signs and symptoms of Polio?
Most people who get infected with poliovirus (about 72 out of 100) will not have any visible symptoms. About 1 out of 4 people with poliovirus infection will have flu-like symptoms that may include:
Sore throat
Fever
Tiredness
Nausea
Headache
Stomach pain
These symptoms usually last 2 to 5 days then go away on their own.
A smaller proportion of people with poliovirus infection will develop other more serious symptoms that affect the brain and spinal cord:
Paresthesia (feeling of pins and needles in the legs)
Meningitis (infection of the covering of the spinal cord and/or brain) occurs in about 1 out of 25 people with poliovirus infection
Paralysis (can’t move parts of the body) weakness in the arms, legs, or both, occurs in about 1 out of 200 people with poliovirus infection
Does Polio have a cure?
No, polio has no cure, it can only be prevented through immunization, good hygiene and sanitation practices
How can Polio be prevented?
Polio can be prevented through immunization with the polio vaccine. In Ghana, the vaccine is given at birth or soon after birth and subsquent doses are given at:
Six weeks (drops)
10 weeks (drops)
14 weeks (drops plus injection)
Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life. To stop transmission, vaccinate all children under five years of age with OPV and IPV.
In addition to immunization, you must also do the following;
Wash your hands always with soap under running water:
After using the toilet or cleaning the baby’s buttocks
Before eating or preparing food
Before feeding your baby
Before serving meals
After playing
After taking care of sick person

Cover your food and water to prevent contamination
Wash fruits and vegetables under running water before eating or use
Keep your environment clean and maintain a high level of good personal hygiene
Use toilet facilities such as pit latrine, KVIP or water closet if available
Do not defecate in the open
Clean toilet and surfaces contaminated with faeces with disinfectant or ash
What are the vaccines that protect against Polio?
Two types of vaccines protect against polio: oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) and Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) given as an injection on the thigh.
Polio vaccines are safe and effective and available at all health facilities for free
Complete your children’s immunization to protect them from vaccine preventable diseases
Ensure your relatives and friends also complete their children’s immunization.
Ensure your child wears slippers, sandals or shoes to avoid contact with infected feaces.
Report any child under 15 years who develops sudden paralysis (weakness of the limbs) to the nearest health centre within 24 hours.
Where can we get more information on polio?
For more Information Contact your nearest Health Facility.

END POLIO NOW; VACCINATE ALL CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS OF AGE

World Hepatitis Day: Messages
1. Stop running away from Hepatitis which is a bare truth of life and a major concern to the whole world.
2. Let us learn to protect ourselves from Hepatitis diseases on World Hepatitis Day.
3. Get vaccinated on World Hepatitis Day and prevent yourself from falling prey to any of those Hepatitis diseases.
4. One can easily avoid Hepatitis by staying a little bit cautious and following healthy practices.
5. World Hepatitis Day is an occasion that reminds us to stay aware and informed about the disease of Hepatitis.
6. Let us educate more people about the causes and consequences of Hepatitis on World Hepatitis Day.
7. It is high time that we take a lesson from all the deaths that are caused due to Hepatitis every year.
8. You won't be able to see the symptoms of Hepatitis every time, so beware and raise awareness about the disease Hepatitis on World Hepatitis Day.
9. So many people in this world are getting affected by Hepatitis every year and World Hepatitis Day gives us an opportunity to act on it.
10. It is time to get more curious about Hepatitis diseases and know the ways of preventing it on World Hepatitis Day.
11. On World Hepatitis Day, let us enhance our efforts to control the spread of Hepatitis disease.
12. Care for your life, don’t let Hepatitis separate you from your loved ones.
13. On World Hepatitis Day, say no to all those habits that can push you towards this fatal disease.
14. On World Hepatitis Day, let us enhance our efforts to control the spread of Hepatitis disease.
15. Raise your voice for making people aware of Hepatitis on World Hepatitis Day.

COVID-19 : 11118 is not a mere figure of data and science that we should ignore and go about easing restrictions and congregating people for voter ID.
From 31st May to 12th June...... check the new infections yourself.

Coronavirus and Religion : make a date with me and others tonight on Amenuveve radio 105.3
@8:30pm

I am hurting so bad. As health communicator I been restless in this season of coronavirus (COVID-19) by reason of impacting knowledge and increasing awareness on COVID-19 amongst the public. Radio discussions and live interviews here and there, community sensitization, market sensitization, responding to rumors, etc on empty stomach and nothing to show for it at the end of each day's hard work.

I am schedule to appear on radio this afternoon 27/3/2020 at 3pm still on the deadly disease COVID-19.
I'm supposed to tell the public as part of measures to avoid crowds or observe social distance at an arms length. I'm badly hurt hearing in the news that the court injunction on NIA registration in the eastern region has been squashed. Meaning the registration in the midst of this COVID-19 can go on. Why am I hurting? Am in in that region?

Well! having at the back of my mind what happened when NIA was in my region, VR, I would not dare go to any registration center at this evil time when everybody and anybody is a suspect and a victim of COVID-19. NIA registration is a fertile ground for horizontal spread of this disease. A place where our focused is to make sure we register to secure a currently nonprofitable card, a place where sneezing, coughing, touching and holding are highly possible. What's the value of one card to one life by the way. I a m h u r t i n g so bad.
Let's stop it already else we loose this fight.
In this situation I am tempted to call a quick lockdown of our beloved Ghana 🇬🇭.

People of good brains that can speak to power must speak now or forever remain silent.
People transit with the virus the reason Ghana records cases.
Mr. President.

Oshey

Having being declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the highly infectious disease has claimed about 725 lives out of 34,965 confirmed cases and still counting. The virus with an opportunity to enter through your mouth or nose invades a host cell which then bursts and spread to nearby cells.

An infected person passes the virus onto others through unguarded coughing and sneezing. Others get infected through close contact with these people, touching surfaces that may be contaminated, using the contaminated hand to touch your mouth, nose or even eyes, eating raw or meat that's improperly cooked.

High temperature (fever), cough/sneezing, runny nose are but few signs and symptoms one can see and suspect the disease . It needs to be confirmed anyway.

Visit immediately the health facility with any like symptoms.
Frequently and properly wash hands with soap and water
Use 75% alcohol based sanitizer
Take a step or 1meter away from someone with cough
Cook meat, egg properly before use.

2019 - nCoV is a burden to all.
For this cause I couldn't go to my traditional church today but moved from one church to the other creating and increasing awareness.

, its an everyday thing
, live it well.
alive

https://ghananewsagency.org/health/waho-cross-border-campaign-for-family-planning-hiv-screening-launched-at-aflao-162519

WAHO cross border campaign for family planning, HIV screening launched at Aflao {description}

It's scary though but you got to know your self. Get tested as tomorrow marks World AIDS Day.

SCHOOL DEWORMING, 4th-8th, November, 2019

Soil Transmitted Helminthes
• STH commonly known as intestinal worms, are the most common infections affecting the most deprived communities
• Humans are definitive hosts.
• Male and female adults develop in the intestine.
• The adult female produces fertilized eggs, or larvae which may be infective to new host.
• Eggs or larvae, exit the host in its f***s.
• Eggs or larvae require a period of development in the environment to become infective.
• Infection with most worms can be by ingestion of infective eggs or larvae, by larval pe*******on of skin
• Larvae develop within the egg in warm, moist soil (except for Strongyloides stercoralis, whose eggs hatch in the intestine, with larvae passing in the f***s).
• Eggs may be immediately infective after ingestion by humans.


• Schistosomiasis is cause by blood flukes – Schistosoma spp
• The disease is caused by the pe*******on of infective cercaria into susceptible host when in contact with contaminated water body
• Disease of all age groups, especially school-aged children
• People who are occupationally exposed to the risk of infection- infested waters ( farmers, fishermen)
• Two main species of Schistosoma in Ghana Schistosoma heamatobium Schistosoma mansoni
Female lay eggs which pe*****te the urogenital tract and intestinal lumen. Eggs are passed out through the urine (heamatobium) and f***s (mansoni) of an infected person
Life Cycle of Schistosomiasis
• Eggs hatch into Miracidia once in contact with water bodies
• Miracidia enter water snail which serves as intermediate host.
• Cercaria emerge out of water snail and pe*****te the skin when individuals enter water bodies – through wading in water, bathing and swimming in water etc
Pathology
• Worms in circulation – lungs – coughing
• Worms trapped in:
• Liver – hepatomegaly
• Spleen-splenomegaly
• Intestines-abdominal pain, bloody stool, diarrhoea
• Urinary bladder – bloody urine, cancer
• Anaemia
Risk factors for Worm infestattion
 Resource poor communities – with inadequate sanitation and water supply
 Poor personal and environmental hygiene
 In conflict zones or urban slums, where there is minimal or no access to health care services, water and sanitation

Symptoms of worm infestation
 Diarrhoea
 Abdominal pain
 General feeling of unwellness
 Weakness
 Anaemia
Effects of worm infestation
• Reduces work capacity
• Impedes concentration
• Reduces cognitive development – especially in children
• Increases school absenteeism
• Increases risk of susceptibility to other infections
Prevention and control
 Distribute deworming tablets - Albendazole / Mebendazole to school-age children ( Preventive chemotherapy)
 Health education and promotion of healthy behavior, personal hygiene in schools - knowledge concerning the transmission, prevention and treatment
 Water, Sanitation, Hygiene (WASH)
 Drink clean water
 Keep food and household water safe and covered from flies and dirt
 Wash hands with soap and water after using the latrine
 Keep fingernails clean and short
 Use properly constructed latrine facilities always
 Vector control by eliminating the snail host through the use of molluscicides
 W**d control-removing aquatic weeds

Common Adverse Events
Itching, Rash, Headache, Abdominal pains, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Swellings, Weakness, drowsiness, fainting, breathlessness, Steven-Johnson’s syndrome.
Most of these are self-limiting and should resolve within 48hours. Tell them to drink a lot of water and take rest.
Benefits of Deworming
• Improved health and nutrition
• Long-run economic benefits
• Decreases anaemia and improves nutrition
• Increases growth and weight gain
• Improves cognition, mental and physical development
• Increases resistance to other infections
• Supports more frequent school attendance
• Improves children’s ability to learn better and be more active in school.
Eligibility
School-age children thus from KG2-JHS3
Out of School children between 2-15years
Points to note/Key Messages
 Resource poor communities with inadequate sanitation and water supply are mostly at risk
 Poor personal and environmental hygiene are also at risk
 The drugs are safe, easy to swallow and free
 Taking the drugs will protect you
 Time and place (4th – 8th November in schools)
 Eat before you take the drug
 Keep the surroundings clean
 Wash your hands, particularly before eating and after using toilets.
 Wear slippers and shoes.
 Wash fruits and vegetables in safe and clean water.
 Properly cook food and keeping cooked food covered
 Use sanitary toilets, do not defecate in the open
note that each eligible school-age child would take 1tablet of albendazole and also take praziquantel according to height.
Developed by:

Ketu South Municipal Health Directorate.

Global Hand Washing Day 2019
THEME: Clean hands – a recipe for health
Introduction:
October 15th is Global Handwashing Day! This year, the Global Handwashing Day theme focuses on the links between handwashing and food – including food hygiene and nutrition. Handwashing is an important part of keeping food safe, preventing diseases, and helping children grow strong. Our tagline, Clean hands – a recipe for health, reminds us to make handwashing a part of every meal. Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.
Hand washing (or handwashing), also known as hand hygiene, is the act of cleaning hands for the purpose of removing soil, dirt, and microorganisms. If water and soap is not available, hands can be cleaned with ash.
When to Wash Your Hands
You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
o Before, during, and after preparing food
o Before eating food
o Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
o Before and after treating a cut or wound
o After using the toilet
o After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
o After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
o After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
o After handling pet food or pet treats
o After touching garbage
o Before giving medications
o Before putting contact lenses in eyes
o Before and after touching any animals (you can give them germs too)
o On arriving at work or school
o After getting visible soil on hands
o After handling raw meat/poultry or unwashed fruits and vegetables
o After visiting shops and handling shopping trolleys, baskets, shop goods
o After going on public transport
o After cleaning eg wiping table tops, kitchen surfaces, using a mop
o After playing/working outside
o After playing with pets
Five steps to wash your hands.
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water

You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.
Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. However,
• Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.
• Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
• Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.
How to use hand sanitizer
• Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
• Rub your hands together.
• Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.

Why Wash Your Hands?
Hands are the part of the body that are most exposed to germs and substances in the home, the environment and areas shared with other people such as offices, schools, hospitals, shopping centres and public transport.
Your body harbours a wide selection of microorganisms — intestinal/faecal, oral, nasal, dermal — as well as carrying many others picked up from the environment. All these actions that you do without thinking can pick up unwanted germs, dirt or chemicals and transmit them to your mouth or to other objects or people.
It may seem obvious when you think about it, but there are multiple ways that your hands pick up and spread many different types of bacteria, viruses and even parasites:
• Eat food and prepare food: pick up food-borne diseases from eg raw chicken, and contaminate food with oral, faecal or other microorganisms
• Touch or carry objects: pick up microorganisms from and transfer them to surfaces
• Clean things: hands can pick up dust-borne and water-borne microorganisms in the environment
• Scratch or wipe your body: introduce microorganisms into cuts or pick up some of the many microorganisms that inhabit your skin and body cavities
• Shake other people’s hands: exchange germs with other people
• Sneezing into your hands: cold or flu viruses and many other germs that inhabit your nose, throat and airways
Poor hand hygiene is the main cause of preventable illness in offices, schools, hospitals and food establishments. In businesses hand-spread microorganisms cause a high proportion of time off work. If you handle or prepare food for other people your hands can contaminate the food and make other people ill.
The purpose of washing hands is to remove dirt, dangerous chemicals and microorganisms that can cause disease or contaminate food and items that people use.
The simple act of hand washing will reduce the risk of stomach bugs by nearly half (47%).
How washing hands works
• The warm water and soap suspends the dirt and grease containing germs and contaminating substances
• Friction from rubbing hands together pulls the dirt and grease away from the skin
• Rinsing in running water washes away the suspended dirt and grease, helped by further rubbing
• Wiping hands dry remove more germs and dry hands are safer because they transfer far fewer germs to things you touch than wet hands

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month. This is to make us all know that there are conditions that can destroy our prostate when not taken care of.
Take care of your prostate, seek medical advice when you dictate any abnormality.

World Hepatitis Day 2019
THEME: Invest in eliminating hepatitis
WHO aims to address the following objectives for World Hepatitis Day 2019:
1. To urge national and regional policymakers increase political and financial commitments for hepatitis response.
2. To highlight WHO’s new costing estimates for hepatitis elimination within the context of health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UHC by 2030.
3. To encourage people come forward to access hepatitis prevention, testing and treatment services.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. It’s commonly caused by a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.
Your liver is located in the right upper area of your abdomen. It performs many critical functions that affect metabolism throughout your body, including:
• bile production, which is essential to digestion
• filtering of toxins from your body
• excretion of bilirubin (a product of broken-down red blood cells), cholesterol, hormones, and drugs
• breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
• activation of enzymes, which are specialized proteins essential to body functions
• storage of glycogen (a form of sugar), minerals, and vitamins (A, D, E, and K)
• synthesis of blood proteins, such as albumin
• Synthesis of clotting factors.
The burden of Hepatitis:
Three hundred and twenty five (325) million people are living with viral hepatitis B and C
Two million, eight hundred and fifty thousand (2,850,000) people became newly infected in 2017
Over (80%) of people living with hepatitis lack prevention, testing and treatment
Annually 6US$ billion investment is needed to achieve global elimination targets by 2030
Viral hepatitis B and C affect 325 million people worldwide causing 1.4 million deaths a year.
It is the second major killer infectious disease after tuberculosis, and 9 times more people are infected with hepatitis than HIV.
Hepatitis is preventable, treatable, and in the case of hepatitis C, curable. However, over 80% of people living with hepatitis are lacking prevention, testing and treatment services.
Types of Viral Hepatitis
Viral infections of the liver that are classified as hepatitis include hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. A different virus is responsible for each type of virally transmitted hepatitis.
Hepatitis A is always an acute, short-term disease, while hepatitis B, C, and D are most likely to become ongoing and chronic. Hepatitis E is usually acute but can be particularly dangerous in pregnant women.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is most commonly transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by f***s from a person infected with hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen, containing the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Injection drug use, having s*x with an infected partner, or sharing razors with an infected person increase your risk of getting hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, typically through injection drug use and s*xual contact.
Hepatitis D
Also called delta hepatitis, hepatitis D is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). HDV is contracted through direct contact with infected blood. Hepatitis D is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. The hepatitis D virus can’t multiply without the presence of hepatitis B.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting f***l matter that contaminates the water supply. This disease is uncommon in the United States. However, cases of hepatitis E have been reported in the Middle East, Asia, Central America, and Africa, according to the CDCTrusted Source.
Causes of noninfectious hepatitis
1. Alcohol and other toxins
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver damage and inflammation. This is sometimes referred to as alcoholic hepatitis. The alcohol directly injures the cells of your liver. Over time, it can cause permanent damage and lead to liver failure and cirrhosis, a thickening and scarring of the liver.
Other toxic causes of hepatitis include overuse or overdose of medications and exposure to poisons.
2. Autoimmune system response
In some cases, the immune system mistakes the liver as a harmful object and begins to attack it. It causes ongoing inflammation that can range from mild to severe, often hindering liver function. It’s three times more common in women than in men.
Common symptoms of hepatitis
If you have infectious forms of hepatitis that are chronic, like hepatitis B and C, you may not have symptoms in the beginning. Symptoms may not occur until the damage affects liver function.
Signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis appear quickly. They include:
• fatigue
• flu-like symptoms
• dark urine
• pale stool
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• unexplained weight loss
• yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice
Chronic hepatitis develops slowly, so these signs and symptoms may be too subtle to notice.
How hepatitis is diagnosed
1. History and physical exam
To diagnose hepatitis, first your doctor will take your history to determine any risk factors you may have for infectious or noninfectious hepatitis.
During a physical examination, your doctor may press down gently on your abdomen to see if there’s pain or tenderness. Your doctor may also feel to see if your liver is enlarged. If your skin or eyes are yellow, your doctor will note this during the exam.
2. Liver function tests
Liver function tests use blood samples to determine how efficiently your liver works. Abnormal results of these tests may be the first indication that there is a problem, especially if you don’t show any signs on a physical exam of liver disease. High liver enzyme levels may indicate that your liver is stressed, damaged, or not functioning properly.
3. Other blood tests
If your liver function tests are abnormal, your doctor will likely order other blood tests to detect the source of the problem. These tests can check for the viruses that cause hepatitis. They can also be used to check for antibodies that are common in conditions like autoimmune hepatitis.
4. Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the organs within your abdomen. This test allows your doctor to take a close at your liver and nearby organs. It can reveal:
• fluid in your abdomen
• liver damage or enlargement
• liver tumors
5. Liver biopsy
A liver biopsy is an invasive procedure that involves your doctor taking a sample of tissue from your liver. It can be done through your skin with a needle and doesn’t require surgery. Typically, an ultrasound is used to guide your doctor when taking the biopsy sample.
This test allows your doctor to determine how infection or inflammation has affected your liver. It can also be used to sample any areas in your liver that appear abnormal.
How hepatitis is treated
Treatment options are determined by which type of hepatitis you have and whether the infection is acute or chronic.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A usually doesn’t require treatment because it’s a short-term illness. Bed rest may be recommended if symptoms cause a great deal of discomfort. If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, follow your doctor’s orders for hydration and nutrition.
The hepatitis A vaccine is available to prevent this infection. Most children begin vaccination between ages 12 and 18 months. It’s a series of two vaccines. Vaccination for hepatitis A is also available for adults and can be combined with the hepatitis B vaccine.
Hepatitis B
Acute hepatitis B doesn’t require specific treatment.
Chronic hepatitis B is treated with antiviral medications. This form of treatment can be costly because it must be continued for several months or years. Treatment for chronic hepatitis B also requires regular medical evaluations and monitoring to determine if the virus is responding to treatment.
Hepatitis B can be prevented with vaccination. The CDC Trusted Source recommends hepatitis B vaccinations for all newborns. The series of three vaccines is typically completed over the first six months of childhood. The vaccine is also recommended for all healthcare and medical personnel.
Hepatitis C
Antiviral medications are used to treat both acute and chronic forms of hepatitis C. People who develop chronic hepatitis C are typically treated with a combination of antiviral drug therapies. They may also need further testing to determine the best form of treatment.
People who develop cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver disease as a result of chronic hepatitis C may be candidates for a liver transplant.
Currently, there is no vaccination for hepatitis C.
Hepatitis D
No antiviral medications exist for the treatment of hepatitis D at this time. According to a 2013 study Trusted Source, a drug called alpha interferon can be used to treat hepatitis D, but it only shows improvement in about 25 to 30 percent of people.
Hepatitis D can be prevented by getting the vaccination for hepatitis B, as infection with hepatitis B is necessary for hepatitis D to develop.
Hepatitis E
Currently, no specific medical therapies are available to treat hepatitis E. Because the infection is often acute, it typically resolves on its own. People with this type of infection are often advised to get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, get enough nutrients, and avoid alcohol. However, pregnant women who develop this infection require close monitoring and care.
Complications of hepatitis
Chronic hepatitis B or C can often lead to more serious health problems. Because the virus affects the liver, people with chronic hepatitis B or C are at risk for:
• chronic liver disease
• cirrhosis
• liver cancer
When your liver stops functioning normally, liver failure can occur. Complications of liver failure include:
• bleeding disorders
• a buildup of fluid in your abdomen, known as ascites
• increased blood pressure in portal veins that enter your liver, known as portal hypertension
• kidney failure
• hepatic encephalopathy, which can involve fatigue, memory loss, and diminished mental abilities due to the buildup of toxins, like ammonia, that affect brain function
• hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a form of liver cancer
• death

Tips to prevent hepatitis
Hygiene
Practicing good hygiene is one key way to avoid contracting hepatitis A and E. If you’re traveling to a developing country, you should avoid:
• local water
• ice
• raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters
• raw fruit and vegetables
Hepatitis B, C, and D contracted through contaminated blood can be prevented by:
• not sharing drug needles
• not sharing razors
• not using someone else’s toothbrush
• not touching spilled blood
Hepatitis B and C can also be contracted through s*xual in*******se and intimate s*xual contact. Practicing safe s*x by using condoms and dental dams can help decrease the risk of infection.
Vaccines
The use of vaccines is an important key to preventing hepatitis. Vaccinations are available to prevent the development of hepatitis A and B. Experts are currently developing vaccines against hepatitis C.
People with chronic hepatitis B and C are encouraged to avoid alcohol because it can accelerate liver disease and failure. Certain supplements and medications can also affect liver function. If you have chronic hepatitis B or C, check with your doctor before taking any new medications.
Treatment options vary depending on which type of hepatitis you have. You can prevent some forms of hepatitis through immunizations and lifestyle precautions.
NOTE:
For policymakers
Invest in eliminating hepatitis

For the public
Know. Prevent. Test. Treat. Eliminate Hepatitis.
Are you at risk? Get tested! Early testing means early treatment to prevent illness and to save your life.
Are you protected? Hepatitis B and C are preventable. Hepatitis B vaccine provides lifelong protection. Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted by s*x, therefore protect yourself by using condoms.
Be strong: get treated or cured from hepatitis. If you tested positive, ask whether you need treatment - do not delay.
Living with hepatitis B? Some people will need treatment and can stay healthy with life-long therapy.
Living with hepatitis C? 3-month treatment can cure the infection.
Hepatitis CANNOT be spread through shaking hands, sneezing, coughing, and sharing eating utensils.