Viral Hepatitis

There are many different strains of Hepatitis, some very serious and none any fun.  Hepatitis is a virus that affects the liver, causing its enlargement, sometimes resulting in liver failure.  Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, tenderness in the upper right abdomen, dark urine, light colored feces, and yellowed skin or eyes.  Left untreated the victims can fall into a coma or die. 

The two most common forms are called Hepatitis A and B.  Hepatitis A is spread through food and water contamination. Once again, undercooked or raw shellfish and seafood along with raw vegetables are the likely sources.  Symptoms develop about one month after exposure to the virus. Hepatitis B is more serious than Hepatitis A, resulting in chronic liver disease. It is spread through blood transfer rather than by eating. This can happen during medical surgical or dental procedures, during immunization with improperly sterilized syringes, while being tattooed or having a shave, or through sexual contact.