a yellowish colour. The urine may be
blood, sweat, tears and breast milk.
yet, although there are ongoing ef-
darker than usual and stools may
It can be transmitted from mother
forts to develop one. HVC is one of
be a pale colour, indicating yellow-
to child during birth. Hepatitis B can
the more dangerous forms of hepa-
jaundice.
also be spread by shared syringes
titis because, according to WHO,
or tattooing equipment that has not
in 55 to 85 per cent of patients the
been properly sterilised.
condition progresses to chronic HVC,
Most people with acute HBV do not develop long-term liver dam-
meaning that they have a significant risk of developing cirrhosis.
age. However, if the virus becomes chronic, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine to help prevent further damage to the liver. Fortunately, a vaccine that can prevent HBV infection is widely available
Hepatitis A virus
and should form part of childhood
The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is spread
vaccination programmes. If you were
when a person eats food or drinks
not vaccinated against HBV or have
water contaminated with infected
not vaccinated your children against
animal or human faeces, or comes
HBV, it is important to visit your gen-
into physical contact with a person
eral practitioner for advice.
Toxic hepatitis Toxic hepatitis is most commonly
who is infected. When HAV outbreaks occur, the virus can spread quickly.
Hepatitis C virus
caused by alcohol abuse, but can
Most people make a full recovery
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread
also be caused by certain chemicals,
within a month or two, and do not
through contact with infected blood.
drugs or certain nutritional supple-
suffer lasting liver damage. In some
ments. Be sure to consult your doctor
cases, however, HAV can be life-
about proper use of prescribed
threatening.
medicines and over-the-counter medicines because these can cause
HAV can usually be prevented by ensuring drinking water has been
liver damage if not taken properly.
adequately purified, washing hands
The damage to the liver may not im-
thoroughly before eating or touching
mediately show symptoms, but could
the mouth, and proper food hygiene.
eventually result in complete liver
An HAV vaccination is available and
failure. Certain types of hepatitis can pro-
has helped to significantly reduce
gress quickly and may result in seri-
infections.
ous, irreparable liver damage or liver
Hepatitis B virus
failure. This is why it is important to be
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of
This can happen if a person touches
aware of the symptoms that may ac-
the most common viral illnesses in
the blood of someone who has the
company hepatitis and seek medical
the world as it is highly infectious. The
virus, or through using contaminated
attention as soon as possible.
virus is found in the bodily fluids of
syringes or other non-sterile medical
infected people and can be spread
equipment.
through sexual contact, exposure to
Public Sector Manager • July 2017
No vaccination against HCV exists
Source: Government Employees Medical Scheme
91