Difference Between Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
Hepatitis is a disease that can have several causes. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria , excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications; among other things. Difference Between Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Difference Between Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
It is especially characterized by causing inflammation of the liver and because it can be easily spread. A person affected by this disease may or may not show symptoms, in fact; a large number of those affected do not show any signs of this pathology. However, among those who do have symptoms, the most common are: jaundice, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, general malaise, fever, diarrhea, fatigue.
There are several viruses that cause hepatitis: virus A, virus B, virus C, virus D, virus E, virus F, and virus G; but of all these, the most important and common are the first three.
Different types of hepatitis can present similar symptoms, but it is very important that you know that there are differences between each one. This time we clarify what the difference is between them.
HEPATITIS A Difference Between Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
Hepatitis can be acute or chronic. It is said to be acute when it lasts less than six months and chronic when it persists longer. Hepatitis A generally presents as an acute infection, which does not become chronic.
It is caused by the virus A (HAV). Its duration can vary and is rarely fatal. This virus is found in the stool of people who are affected. It is most commonly transmitted through water or food contaminated with feces that contain the virus.
There are many risks of contracting this disease living with an infected person, maintaining relationships with someone infected (especially if the relationships are anal or oral), traveling to countries where this disease is common.
There is a vaccine against this type of hepatitis and it is recommended in people who are at high risk and who are over 1 year of age.
Another thing that helps prevent this disease is to maintain good physical hygiene and avoid drinking impure water or eating raw food.
Typical symptoms
- Jaundice
- Yellow eyes and skin
- Dark urine
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
Blood tests can be used to diagnose hepatitis A. It is estimated that worldwide there are 1.4 million cases of hepatitis A each year.
HEPATITIS B
Hepatitis B can begin as an acute infection, however, in some cases (less than 5%) it can develop into a chronic disease; doing long-term liver damage. If it becomes chronic, then it lasts a lifetime.
It is a contagious disease and like hepatitis A, it affects the liver. It is caused by the B virus (HBV). It is most commonly transmitted through sexual intercourse, either by having direct contact with blood or fluids.
It represents a risk especially for people who work in the health sector: doctors, nurses.
Among the most common forms of transmission are: perinatal (from mother to baby at birth), infections in early childhood, blood transfusions, and injection compartment.
Typical symptoms
In many cases there are no symptoms.
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Dark urine
- Extreme fatigue
- Sickness
- Threw up
- Abdominal pain
Approximately 2 billion people around the world have been infected with the virus and about 600,000 people die each year from hepatitis B.
Like hepatitis A, it also has a vaccine.
Key differences
- Hepatitis A tends to be less serious than hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis A is not easily spread through the salivary or sexual routes, while hepatitis B is.
- Hepatitis A is usually spread by oral and fecal routes, while hepatitis B is spread mainly through blood and various fluids.