HOW IS HEPATITIS DIAGNOSED?

Tips for Preventing Hepatitis

Just like any disease, prevention is always better than cure, especially where an organ as vital as your liver is concerned.

You can prevent some forms of viral hepatitis through vaccination.

There is a vaccine for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Vaccinating against hepatitis B will also protect you against hepatitis D.
No vaccines are available for hepatitis C. This form of the disease can be cured, however.

Hepatitis B is a three-vaccine series routinely given to children during their recommended paediatric vaccine schedule.

Hepatitis A is a two-vaccine series given to people at risk of contracting Hepatitis A, including people travelling to under-resourced countries, men who are having same-sex intercourse, I.V. drug users and patients with chronic liver disease.

Tips for Preventing Hepatitis

In addition to vaccination, there are other steps you can take to prevent hepatitis.

Practicing good hygiene is one key way to avoid contracting hepatitis A and E.

If you’re travelling to a developing country, you should avoid:

local water
ice
raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters
raw fruit and vegetables

Hepatitis B, C and D contracted through contaminated blood can be prevented by:

not sharing drug needles
not sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes
not touching spilled blood
Hepatitis B and C can also be contracted through sexual intercourse and intimate sexual contact. Practicing safe sex can help decrease the risk of infection.

If you suspect you may have hepatitis, consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis of your condition and the available treatment options.

How is Hepatitis Diagnosed?

To diagnose hepatitis, your doctor

Will ask about your symptoms and medical history.

Will do a physical exam.

Will do blood tests, including tests for viral hepatitis.

Might do imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI.

Occasionally perform a liver biopsy by taking a sample of it with a needle to look at it under a microscope and evaluate the severity of liver damage.