INTRODUCTION Hello friends?, How are you doing my fellow steemians?, I know before now all of u have heard or experienced the disease called "HEPTITIS".... it's my pleasure to talk more on the meaning, types, causes, symptoms, effects and prevention of the Heptitis. ![Screenshot_20220802-162715.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmYq3NR4ubwFLYTphn4A63L2z5mJxhiYy4K83v7d7AvSXz/Screenshot_20220802-162715.jpg)[source]( https://www.google.com/search?q=hepatitis&client=ms-opera-mini-android&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjGg_bFqqj5AhUwMewKHWZBA3sQ_AUICCgB&biw=320&bih=452#imgrc=CbUIDCFDxmfnnM) MEANING OF HEPTITIS Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. It is commonly the result of a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue. TYPES OF HEPTITIS The five main viral classifications of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. A different virus is responsible for each type of viral hepatitis. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 354 millionTrusted Source people currently live with chronic hepatitis B and C globally. Hepatitis A Hepatitis A is the result of an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is an acute, short-term disease. Hepatitis B The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B. This is often an ongoing, chronic condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 826,000Trusted Source people are living with chronic hepatitis B in the United States and around 257 million people worldwide. Hepatitis C Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is among the most common bloodborne viral infections in the United States and typically presents as a long-term condition. According to the CDC, approximately 2.4 million AmericansTrusted Source are currently living with a chronic form of this infection. Hepatitis D This is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. The hepatitis D virus (HDV) causes liver inflammation like other strains, but a person cannot contract HDV without an existing hepatitis B infection. Globally, HDV affects almost 5 percentTrusted Source of people with chronic hepatitis B. Hepatitis E Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease that results from exposure to the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply. This disease is uncommonTrusted Source in the United States, according to the CDC. Hepatitis E is usually acute but can be particularly dangerous in pregnant women. CAUSES sex with someone who is infected. The virus can pass to you if the person's blood, saliva, semen or vaginal secretions enter your body. Sharing of needles. HBV easily spreads through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing IV drug paraphernalia puts you at high risk of hepatitis B. Accidental needle sticks. Hepatitis B is a concern for health care workers and anyone else who comes in contact with human blood. Mother to child. Pregnant women infected with HBV can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth. However, the newborn can be vaccinated to avoid getting infected in almost all cases. Talk to your doctor about being tested for hepatitis B if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant.Also excessive drinking of alcohol can as well destroy the liver thereby making way for Heptitis. SYMPTOMS Signs and symptoms of hepatitis range from mild to severe. They usually appear about one to four months after you've been infected, although you could see them as early as two weeks post-infection. Some people, usually young children, may not have any Symptoms....these symptoms include Abdominal pain Dark urine Fever Joint pain Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Weakness and fatigue Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice). prevention There are vaccines that can help protect against many hepatitis viruses. Minimizing your risk of exposure to substances containing these viruses can also be an important preventive measure. Vaccines A vaccine for hepatitis A is available and can help prevent the contraction of HAV. The hepatitis A vaccine is a series of two doses and most children begin vaccination at age 12 to 23 monthsTrusted Source. This is also available for adults and can also include the hepatitis B vaccine. The CDCTrusted Source recommends hepatitis B vaccinations for all newborns. Doctors typically administer the series of three vaccines over the first 6 months of childhood. The CDC also recommends the vaccine for all healthcare and medical personnel. Vaccination against hepatitis B can also prevent hepatitis D. There are currently no vaccines for hepatitis C or E. Reducing exposure Hepatitis viruses can transmit from person to person through contact with bodily fluids, water, and foods containing infectious agents. Minimizing your risk of contact with these substances can help to prevent contracting hepatitis viruses. Practicing effective hygiene is one way to avoid contracting hepatitis A and E. The viruses that cause these conditions can be presentTrusted Source in water. If you’re traveling to a country where there is a high prevalence of hepatitis, you should avoid: local water ice raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters raw fruit and vegetables The hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can transmit through contact with bodily fluids containing these infectious agents. You can reduce your riskTrusted Source of coming into contact with fluids containing these viruses by: not sharing needles not sharing razors not using someone else’s toothbrush not touching spilled blood Hepatitis B and C can carry through sexual intercourse and sexual contact. Using barrier methods, such as condoms and dental dams, during sexual activity can help decrease the risk of infection. CONCLUSION Thanks for all those who will read my post, at Least we can understand how to prevent ourselves from the deadly liver disease "Heptitis". Thanks.