How do you get hepatitis?

DW (English)

Hepatitis damages the liver. It can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer. The viruses are transmitted through unclean water, unprotected sex, or poor hygiene with syringes or needles. How can you best protect yourself?

Transcript

00:00 The hepatitis A virus likes to run riot on food that's not been thoroughly washed, and

00:07 it thrives in unclean tap water. It can make us humans seriously sick.

00:17 Hepatitis A is an infectious liver disease which is caused by the hepatitis A virus.

00:25 It induces unspecific symptoms, not in all patients, but in those who have symptoms.

00:32 Jaundice, loss of appetite, tiredness, weakness, joint pains are the most common symptoms.

00:43 And where is this virus most prevalent? People in parts of Asia, Africa, Southern Europe,

00:51 and in South and Central America are particularly at risk.

00:56 The good news is that 99% of hepatitis A cases heal on their own without any permanent damage

01:01 to the liver, and infection results in lifelong immunity to the pathogen.

01:07 Hepatitis B and C viruses are much more dangerous. Infections with them can also heal on their

01:12 own but can turn chronic too.

01:16 If hepatitis B and C is chronic and not properly treated, it might cause liver cirrhosis, infections,

01:23 cancer, or in the worst case, death.

01:26 In most cases, it's transmitted somehow over the blood, either by sexual intercourse or

01:33 for example by tattooing when hygiene is not good enough and particles of the blood are

01:39 transmitted in the skin of the recipient.

01:43 While medication can protect you from hepatitis B, it's recommended for all those who frequently

01:47 have sex with different partners, are chronically ill, or work in hospitals.

01:52 Ask about hygiene measures before getting medical or certain types of cosmetic treatment.

01:57 So where hepatitis A is common, don't drink the tap water and always wash fruits and vegetables

02:02 thoroughly. Then hepatitis in any of its forms will have a much tougher time of it.

02:07 (music)

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