- Symptoms of hepatitis E
- Hepatitis E in pregnancy
- How the transmission happens
- How treatment is done and how to prevent
Hepatitis E is a disease caused by the hepatitis E virus, also known as HEV, which can enter the body through contact or consumption of contaminated water and food. This disease is often asymptomatic, especially in children, and is usually fought by the body itself.
Because it is fought by the immune system itself, hepatitis E has no specific treatment, and rest, fluid intake and greater attention to sanitation and hygiene conditions are recommended, especially with regard to food preparation.
Symptoms of hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is usually asymptomatic, especially in children, however, when symptoms appear, the main ones are:
- Yellow skin and eyes; Itchy body; Light stools; Dark urine; Low fever; Indisposition; Nausea; Abdominal pain; Vomiting; Lack of appetite; There may be diarrhea.
Symptoms usually appear between 15 and 40 days after contact with the virus. The diagnosis is made by looking for antibodies against the hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV) in a blood sample or by looking for viral particles in the stool.
Hepatitis E in pregnancy
Hepatitis E in pregnancy can be quite serious, especially if the woman has contact with the hepatitis E virus in the third trimester of pregnancy, as it increases the risk of fulminant liver failure and is associated with a higher mortality rate. In addition, it can result in premature birth. Understand what fulminant liver failure is and how treatment is done.
How the transmission happens
Transmission of the hepatitis E virus occurs via the fecal-oral route, mainly through contact or consumption of water and food contaminated by the urine or feces of contaminated people.
The virus can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected people, but this mode of transmission is more rare.
How treatment is done and how to prevent
Hepatitis E is self-limiting, that is, it is solved by the body itself, requiring only rest, good nutrition and hydration. In addition, if the person is using immunosuppressive drugs, suspension is recommended until the disease is resolved, because the hepatitis E virus is fought by the immune system. If necessary, the doctor may choose to treat the symptoms presented by the person.
In more severe cases, especially when there is co-infection with the hepatitis C or A virus, the use of antiretroviral drugs, such as Ribavirin, for example, but which should not be used by pregnant women, may be indicated. Learn more about Ribavirin.
There is no vaccine for hepatitis E, as it is a disease with a benign, self-limited and rare prognosis in Brazil. Thus, the best way to prevent infection by the hepatitis E virus is through hygiene measures, such as washing your hands after going to the bathroom and before eating, in addition to using only filtered water to drink, prepare or cook food..
