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The mode of transmission of hepatitis based on the type

Actually, the type of hepatitis that is included in the group of infectious diseases is hepatitis caused by a virus. Meanwhile, non-viral hepatitis, such as alcoholic hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis cannot be transmitted.

So far, five types of hepatitis virus have been found that are known to cause inflammation of the liver, namely the hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses. These five viruses are the main causes of hepatitis outbreaks in the world.

These five viruses have different genetics, characteristics and developmental cycles. As a result, the modes of transmission of the hepatitis virus also vary. In addition, there are many things that affect the rate of spread of the virus, such as adaptability.

Here are some conditions that can be a medium for transmitting the hepatitis virus that you need to be aware of.

1. Transmission of hepatitis through fecal-oral

Route fecal-oral is the route of hepatitis transmission most often found in people with hepatitis A and hepatitis E. Both hepatitis viruses can spread through the digestive system through food or drink that has been contaminated with the feces of people with hepatitis.

Not only that, hepatitis A and E transmission can also occur through consumption of raw or undercooked drinks and foods that are exposed to the virus, such as:

fruit,
vegetable,
shellfish,
ice, and
water.

Various other types of food also have the potential to be contaminated due to contamination of water sources used for cooking and daily necessities.

The spread of the virus later can also be influenced by the level of environmental hygiene that is not good because of inadequate sanitation facilities. In fact, public hygiene behavior also plays a role in this contagious liver disease.

For example, people with hepatitis A or hepatitis E who don't wash their hands after going to the toilet and then touch other objects can transmit the virus to other people.

2. Blood transfusions

Apart from the route fecal-oral , hepatitis transmission can also occur through blood transfusions. Even so, the route of spread of this virus only applies to hepatitis B, C, and D.

What's more, the hepatitis C virus can only be transmitted via the parenteral route, which is direct contact with infected blood. The reason is, both the hepatitis B, C, and D viruses are only present in the blood or body fluids.

That is why, recipients of blood donors, routine treatment with blood transfusions, or organ transplants are more at risk of hepatitis infection.

If it lasts for a long time, it certainly can increase the risk of serious liver disease complications, such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure.

3. Use of needles that are not sterile

If you are one of those who frequently share needles with other people, you should stop this habit. You see, needles that are shared with other people are less likely to be sterile and at risk of being contaminated with the hepatitis virus.

For example, the use of non-sterile needles is common in needles for tattooing, piercing, and illegal drugs. The reason is, the hepatitis virus contained in the blood can stick to the needles used to inject drugs.

As a result, needles that are reused without being sterilized can infect other people because they are injected directly into a vein.

According to research from the University of Tripoli, the risk of transmitting hepatitis through needles is also influenced by the duration of use. Therefore, users of illegal drugs through needles are more at risk of becoming infected with hepatitis because they are used for months to years.

4. Have sex

Did you know that hepatitis transmission can also occur when having sex with hepatitis sufferers, especially without contraceptives?

Basically the hepatitis virus cannot be transmitted through casual contact interactions, such as skin contact when hugging or kissing. Unfortunately, this does not apply when having sex with an infected patient, especially if you do not use contraceptives.

Having sex turns out to be one of the most common spreads of the hepatitis A and B viruses. The risk of transmission will be higher when sexual activity is carried out together with injections of illegal drugs.

This transmission does not occur very much in hepatitis C. This is because HCV is an RNA virus that is not found in body fluids, such as sperm, vaginal fluids, urine, or feces, like HBV.

However, it is possible that the hepatitis C virus can spread from an infected person into another person's bloodstream through sexual contact. The risk of transmission is also higher when having sex during menstruation.

5. Vertical transmission of hepatitis during childbirth

In areas experiencing an outbreak of hepatitis B, vertical transmission, which is during childbirth, is the most common. The number of cases of hepatitis B transmission in Indonesia through childbirth has even reached 95 percent.

The spread of the virus occurs due to the presence of a blood membrane that breaks before childbirth. This also applies when the baby is exposed to the blood of an infected mother during childbirth.

Hepatitis C virus can also be transmitted during childbirth, but it is still quite rare. However, the risk of spreading hepatitis C can increase when pregnant women who are infected with hepatitis also contract HIV.

6. Other modes of transmission of hepatitis

The five conditions above are the most common modes of transmission of hepatitis. In addition, there are other habits that may sound trivial, but can increase your risk of being exposed to the virus, such as:

sharing a razor, razor and toothbrush with someone who is infected with hepatitis,
health workers who perform injection procedures with syringes, as well
the use of non-sterile surgical tools, such as scalpels and dental drills.

The three things above may indeed be the most rare ways of transmitting the virus. Even so, you still have to be careful and maintain personal hygiene to prevent viral hepatitis.

If you have further questions, please consult with your doctor to find the right solution.