Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. People infected with HIV may be more susceptible to this disease.
Hepatitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, infestation with parasites, alcohol or drugs, toxins, or immune diseases. It can be short-term, long-term, or life-threatening. Hepatitis can cause permanent liver damage.
Some forms of infectious hepatitis are transmitted through blood products, some through eating contaminated food, some through sexual contact, and some through unknown means.
Prevention of Hepatitis
Some general precautions to reduce the chance of contracting hepatitis or other infections include:
1. Avoid contact with blood or blood products.
2. Avoid sexual contact with a person infected with hepatitis or person with unknown health history. Practice safer sex behaviors.
3. Avoid contact with blood or blood products whenever possible.
4. Wash hands thoroughly or clean up extensively after using the restroom if there is contact with anyone's blood, feces, or body fluids.
5. Avoid IV drug use.
Hepatitis B vaccine is available for people in high-risk groups.
Symptoms of Hepatitis
� dark or abnormal urine color
� loss of appetite
� fatigue
� general discomfort or malaise
� abdominal distention
� generalized itching
� jaundice
� fatigue
� loss of appetite
� nausea and vomiting
� low grade fever
� pale or clay colored stools
� abnormal taste
� abdominal pain or indigestion
Most people recover fully; within one to two months the liver is healed, but permanent liver damage can occur.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms indicate you may have hepatitis.
Also check these sites:
Unofficial site of Gulf Coast Community Care
email: [email protected]
New Directions has a positive debut
Faith Hope and Love
Finding hope at New Directions
Where are New Directions Program graduates now?
Tips to help you quit smoking
Frequently asked questions about clinical trials
Should an HIV patient keep working out?
HIV and fatigue
Herbal remedy St. John's wort substantially weakens HIV-fighting drug
Hepatitis and HIV
Avoiding bacterial infections from your pet
Toxoplasmosis - a threat to HIV-positive individuals
The facts about HIV-related anemia
Should you get a flu shot if you have HIV?
HIV and the Americans with Disabilities Act
HIV may rebound if therapy stops
Breaking the barriers to good eating
Healthy and Easy Recipes
Grocery shopping on a limited budget
Nutrition Strategies for people living with HIV/AIDS
Safe cooking for the HIV-positive
Pharmaceutical company drug assistance programs
What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?
HIV, Social Security, and the Internet
Keeping up with the latest HIV news
Call CDC Hotline for HIV/AIDS information
HIV/AIDS resource guide
Click your mouse to fight HIV/AIDS
Other HIV resources