Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease caused by the liver. People also call this condition inflammation of the liver. There are various categories of this condition with different symptoms, causes, and treatment methods. But, the most important question today is whether Hepatitis is contagious or not. The simple answer is yes, but only in specific conditions. There are two major categories of Hepatitis: infectious and noninfectious Hepatitis.
AFC Urgent Care Louisville provides vaccines for patients, including vaccines against Hepatitis. If you’re in need of updated vaccines, call us for availability and visit our walk-in clinic. If you find yourself sick with any symptoms, get diagnosed and treated at our center today.
Is Hepatitis Contagious?
Infectious Hepatitis can be contagious. Its contagious properties depend on the virus that is causing Hepatitis. Almost every type of hepatitis transfers from person to person by blood. For instance, if you have unprotected sexual intercourse, share needles, or receive an organ transplant with unsterilized equipment, you could contract Hepatitis.
If an infectious parasite such as Schistosoma spp causes Hepatitis, the condition isn’t contagious. Furthermore, noninfectious causes such as Hepatitis due to medications, alcohol poisoning, and toxins are not contagious.
This indicates that the contagious properties of Hepatitis depend on the causes of the condition.
Symptoms of Hepatitis
Hepatitis symptoms vary from one type of the condition to another. Here are some symptoms of infectious Hepatitis with contagious properties:
- Fatigue
- Abdominal discomfort
- Jaundice
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Nausea
How it Spreads
Infectious or contagious Hepatitis spreads from one person to another through blood. For instance, if a person with Hepatitis donates blood to a person without, the normal person will develop the condition. However, using non-sterilized medical equipment can also spread various types of Hepatitis.
Surgical instruments such as tattoo needles can spread infection as well. Sexual contact can also spread infectious Hepatitis, which is why medical experts suggest that you should use protection when having sex. Various viral hepatitis types can spread through contaminated food, water, and other objects.
On the other hand, infectious parasites and other habitual risk factors such as medication and alcohol also cause Hepatitis. However, they don’t spread the disease from person to person. If you think that you are at risk of Hepatitis, contact a professional doctor. The doctor will identify the underlying condition of the disease and recommend an effective treatment method.
Conclusion
If you experience symptoms such as dark urine, nausea, and yellowish skin color development, then you should visit the doctor for a proper diagnosis. The doctor will diagnose you with different types of Hepatitis. If you developed Hepatitis with contagious properties, the doctor would recommend staying in isolation.
