Hepatitis is mostly recognized as a liver inflammation which is caused by viruses, toxins, heavy abuse of alcohol and particular drugs. Hepatitis mostly considered being a family name for all infections that affect the liver. The most common types include Hepatitis A, B and C. Nevertheless, a good number of people are generally aware of the existence of Hepatitis but are not able to tell the difference between these forms, especially Hepatitis A and B. while Hepatitis A and B may have some similarities, the two types of Hepatitis have a number of variations that are easily identifiable. Some of the similarities between Hepatitis A and B are that both forms of Hepatitis are caused by viruses and have the same risk factors (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), 2016).
Hepatitis A can be caused by the Hepatitis A virus which is usually referred to as HAV. The virus is found in the excrements of a person who has been contaminated. Apparently, the virus can endure up to 10 months in the water which can either be saltwater or freshwater. A person may become infected by this condition if they consume raw seafood that was obtained from contaminated water sources. Contamination of the water sources can occur by mixing with feces from the contaminated people. This infection can also be caused by poor hygienic conditions such as failing to wash the hands after changing diapers, using the toilet, or before preparing food (Golden, 2018). The infected person may show symptoms such as dark urine, fever, light stools and jaundice.
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On the other hand, Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus which is commonly referred to as HBV. The disease has a death toll that is almost similar to that of Malaria. HBV is found in the bloodstream, vaginal secretions and also in the semen of infected people. The virus is communicated when these secretions diffuse into the bloodstream. HBV may also be transmitted from the mother to the unborn child through the placenta. The infection can also be spread by sharing body piercing objects such as needles, razors and tattooing equipments that are not well sterilized. The virus may also spread through unprotected sexual intercourse. HBV virus, however, cannot be transmitted through breastfeeding, hugging and kissing, coughing, and insect bites. It is also impossible to spread HBV through sharing eating utensils or holding hands (Golden, 2018). A person infected with HBV may indicate flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, dark urine, jaundice, fever, and light stools. However, some carriers may not indicate any symptoms.
The Hepatitis A virus is not a long-term disorder although it may be contracted from a critical source. This is because, many are the times when the health and immune system of the infected subject is stronger enough to destroy the virus within a few months. Furthermore, a specific standard of managing this infection does not exist, and the infected person is usually advised to maintain healthy nutrition as well as get plenty of bed rest. The infected person is also advised against using alcohol and other drugs which might stress the liver. A person is also advised to get vaccinated against this virus to prevent it from reoccurring. Once the individual suffers from and is vaccinated against HAV, they become resistant to this specific virus but vulnerable to the other types of Hepatitis infections (Little, 2018).
HBV on the other hand, can either be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Younger children are at higher risk than adults in terms of developing chronic forms of this infection as adults mostly suffer from an acute disease that they can quickly recover. Vaccination may be used to prevent HBV from occurring to an individual (Little, 2018). In addition, severe cases of chronic HBV that have not been treated may cause malfunctions of the liver or even cause death to the infected person. No medication can be used to treat HBV that has been acquired recently. Various antiviral drugs are effective and can be used by people with chronic HBV to prevent severe liver problems. However, medication does not destroy the virus. People who have been infected with chronic HBV are advised to have medical examinations to check for liver diseases after every six months. As a last resort, people with chronic HBV combined with other liver infections can undergo liver transplant though they are rarely available. Patients with HBV are advised to avoid alcohol and other drugs as they can worsen the condition of the liver disease (Golden, 2018).
Generally, there are some variration that exists between the two disorders. Hepatitis A is often linked to virus HAV whereas, the HBV virus known to be caused by Hepatitis B. HAV is commonly found in the excretion of infected people while HBV is found in the semen. HBV can also be found in vaginal fluids including the bloodstream of the infected person. Additionally, HAV can be contracted through the consumption of raw seafood or drinking contaminated water that is from sources that are contaminated while HBV is spread through the exchange of these secretions to an individual with a weak immune system. Finally, vaccination can be used to prevent HAV from attacking the body while immunization may prevent Hepatitis B from occurring.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2016). Hepatitis C FAQs for the Public | Division of Viral Hepatitis | CDC. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/cfaq.htm
Golden. (2018). Difference Between Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B | Difference Between. Retrieved from http://www.differencebetween.net/science/health/disease-health/difference-between-hepatitis-a-and-hepatitis-b/
Little, E. (2018). What Is Hepatitis A B and C. Retrieved from https://www.bannerhealth.com/staying-well/expert/hepatitis-a-b-c
