Patient's question:
Recently I haven't been feeling well, so I went to the hospital for a thorough check-up. The doctor said it was viral hepatitis, so I'd like to ask a few questions: what is viral hepatitis?Doctor's answer:
Viral hepatitis is an infectious disease caused by various different viruses. It is mainly characterized by liver inflammation and suppuration. Currently, viral hepatitis mainly includes five types: type A viral hepatitis, type B viral hepatitis, type C viral hepatitis, type D viral hepatitis, and type E viral hepatitis. The clinical manifestations of different types of viral hepatitis are similar, primarily fatigue, loss of appetite, and abnormal liver function. Jaundice may occur in some cases, but asymptomatic transmission is more common. Hepatitis A and E are spread through the fecal-oral route, i.e., through the digestive tract, with high transmissibility within the immediate vicinity of the outbreak. Isolation is recommended to prevent outbreaks, and bed rest is advised.