Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). It is most commonly caused by one of five hepatitis viruses – types A, B, C, D, and E – but can also be caused by other infections, heavy alcohol use, toxins, certain medications, and autoimmune disease. 

  • Hepatitis A and E are typically spread through contaminated food or water. 
  • Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids during childbirth, sexual activity, or by sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment. 
  • Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus most commonly spread by sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment. 
  • Hepatitis D occurs only in people with hepatitis B infection and is also spread through infected blood. 

Why Choose Cooper for Hepatitis Care? 

At Cooper Gastroenterology, we provide personalized care for both general and complex liver conditions, understanding how these conditions can impact your quality of life. Cooper Gastroenterology offers superior care with unique advantages: 

  • Nationally recognized experts in gastroenterology and liver disease that is unmatched in South Jersey 
  • Specialized support staff led by registered nurses with specific training in gastroenterology 
  • A streamlined experience for patients undergoing procedures, featuring innovative stretcher-chair technology that moves you smoothly from pre-op to recovery 
  • A patient- and family-centered approach, with comfortable waiting areas for family and friends with complimentary computer kiosks 

Hepatitis Prevention 

Practicing good hygiene and taking the right precautions can help prevent the spread of hepatitis. Steps you can take include: 

Vaccination 

  • Hepatitis A and B vaccines are part of routine childhood immunizations.  
  • Hepatitis B vaccine can also prevent hepatitis D. 
  • Travelers to certain regions may need the hepatitis A vaccine. 
  • There are currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, D, or E. 

Avoid exposure to infection blood or fluids 

  • Don’t share or reuse needles, syringes, or other injection equipment.  
  • Use condoms and practice safe sex. 
  • Avoid sharing personal items like nail clippers, toothbrushes, razors, and glucose monitors that could be a source of infection, even if they look clean. 

Tattoo safety 

  • Choose licensed facilities that use new, sterile needles.  

Blood safety 

  • Blood donations are routinely screened for hepatitis B and C 

Post-exposure care 

  • If you’ve been exposed to hepatitis, talk to your doctor about antibody treatments that may help prevent infection 

Acute Hepatitis  

Acute hepatitis can be caused by a viral infection, medication overdose, or exposure to harmful chemicals. The symptoms may include: 

  • Loss of appetite 
  • Clay-colored bowel movements 
  • Fever 
  • Hives  
  • Jaundice  
  • Joint pain 
  • Muscle soreness 
  • Nausea 
  • Tenderness in the right, upper belly 
  • Vomiting 

Always consult your healthcare provider, as these symptoms may resemble other medical conditions or problems.  

Chronic Hepatitis 

Chronic hepatitis can result from hepatitis B, C, or D and may progress slowly. Some people experience few or no symptoms, while other may notice: 

  • Loss of appetite 
  • Fatigue  
  • Illness 
  • Jaundice 
  • Low-grade fever 
  • Upper belly pain 

Although symptoms can be mild, chronic hepatitis requires ongoing monitoring to prevent liver damage.  

Schedule an Appointment  

To learn more about the resources available for treating hepatitis at Cooper or to request an appointment, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737) 

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