Know the "ABCs" about Hepatitis A, B and C

Dining out is one of America’s favorite social activities. Appetizing food, cocktails and stimulating conversation enhances the restaurant experience. Being catered to is a luxury enjoyed by many people, no matter what the cost. Yet this popular indulgence poses a serious health risk. A satisfied palate may not be the only residual. Feasting on meals prepared in restaurants by contaminated hands could expose you to Hepatitis A.

HAV (Hepatitis A Virus) causes inflammation of the liver. According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately one-third of the U.S. population may become infected with the virus during their lifetime. The disease is usually transmitted through feces (stool). Food and objects contaminated with microscopic (unseen by the human eye) drops of feces, can spread Hepatitis like a forest fire.

Restaurants, hospitals, daycare centers and households are feeding grounds for Hepatitis A. The simple act of washing your hands (especially after using the restroom or having contact with bodily fluids) can significantly decrease the spread of this disease.

Fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellow skin), diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain are some of the common signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A. The virus could also result in lost wages, due to chronic fatigue. HAV impaired adults could be on bed rest for one to four weeks. This is something to consider the next time you leave the restroom without washing your hands.

Portia Hemming, a 26-year-old residing in St. Paul, had a frightening encounter with Hepatitis A. "I ate breakfast and lunch in fast food restaurants almost everyday, until I got sick. I was nauseous and dizzy for about a week. My doctor ran a number of tests and found Hepatitis A in my system. Getting out of bed became a struggle and I stayed home from work for two weeks."

Once acquired, there are no clear-cut treatments for the virus. The Hepatitis A vaccine and thorough hand washing may be the best protection.

HBV (Hepatitis B) is a cousin to the preceding virus. It can cause liver cancer, scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver and death. The virus spreads by coming into contact with blood from an infected person, sharing needles to shoot drugs, unprotected sex with an infected man or woman and from mother to infant during birth.

A simple blood test can detect the virus approximately four weeks after exposure. After seven weeks of being infected with HBV, the virus is no longer contagious. A lab test will be unable to detect the virus after fifteen weeks, but an individual will still be infected.

Hepatitis B is not spread through casual contact such as hugging or kissing. A vaccine for HBV is recommended for healthcare workers and available to anyone who may be at risk for contracting the virus.

Hepatitis C (HCV) attacks the liver and shares some of the same symptoms as HAV and HBV. Populations most likely to be at risk are injecting drug users, people with undiagnosed liver problems or blood transfusion recipients. Hepatitis C can be undetected for years. Individuals can carry the virus with little to no liver damage. Unlike HAV and HBV, there is not a vaccine for Hepatitis C. Your doctor may recommend medications such as Interferon or Ribavirin to manage the condition.

If you think you might be at risk for Hepatitis A, B or C, speak with your healthcare provider about being tested and treatment options. Not knowing could be a matter of life or death.