Hepatitis is a condition in which the liver is infected by viruses that are transmitted through blood or body fluids. This causes severe liver damage, which can lead to a life-threatening condition. The most common types of hepatitis can be prevented in several ways and can be treated effectively through proper medications. Let’s take a look at some of the common prevention and treatment methods for all hepatitis types.

Prevention methods
Hepatitis A can be prevented by following the given tips:

• One must practice hygiene and cleanliness by washing their hands with soap and water every time after using the bathroom.
• One must avoid the consumption of local water, ice, raw food, and fishes while traveling, and food preparation must be paid close attention to.
• One must get vaccinated against HAV before traveling to places where hepatitis can spread easily.

Hepatitis B, C, and D are spread through infected body fluids, and this can be prevented by keeping the following things in mind:

• One must use sterilized needles for injections, acupuncture, and tattooing.
• One must never share razors and toothbrushes with infected people.
• Cups or glasses for drinks and plates for food should not be shared.
• One must get vaccinated against HBV and HCV.
• One must avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.

Treatment for the common types of hepatitis
Treatment for hepatitis is based on the type of hepatitis virus infected:

Hepatitis A
It is most often prevented via vaccination at an early age between 12 to 18 months. Vaccinations are also given to adults to fight both hepatitis A and B viruses. If individuals get infected with hepatitis A despite getting vaccinated, they are advised to be on bed rest and follow a healthy and hygienic routine for a speedy recovery. Medications are prescribed to help them recover from dehydration and malnutrition.

Hepatitis B
A viral infection, this type of hepatitis is contagious. Treatments for hepatitis B include antiviral medications that need to be taken for a longer period. The treatment is expensive as it requires regular monitoring and inspection to check the recovery process. Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccinations, which are usually given to infants in the first six months of age.

Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C often leads to liver cirrhosis and can be treated through antiviral drug therapies. Patients are kept under continuous observation during treatment to keep a tab on the recovery process. Medication patterns in the treatment process may vary depending on the severity and development of the disease. In severe cases, patients suffering from hepatitis C may need liver transplant surgery, and this type cannot be prevented through vaccines.

Hepatitis D
This type of hepatitis is very rare and is often caused by the replication of the Hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis D can be prevented by getting vaccinated against hepatitis B. It can only be treated with the alpha interferon medication.

Hepatitis E
It is common to that of Hepatitis A, but it is transmitted only through water. It is not a life-threatening disease, except in pregnant women, who require extra care and treatment to recover from this disease. Others infected with this common type of hepatitis need to keep themself well hydrated, follow a healthy and nutritious diet, and avoid alcohol consumption.