Question

Briefly explain modes of transmission, symptoms and preventive measures of hepatitis.

Answer 1

(a) Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water.
(b) Hepatitis B is transmitted by contact with infected person's secretions such as saliva, sweat, tears etc., and also blood. The common symptoms of hepatitis are:

- Fever and loss of appetite.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Jaundice (yellowness of white parts of eyes and skin).
- Dark yellow coloured urine and light coloured stools after 3-10 days of infection.
- Itching of skin, headache and joint pains.
Preventive measures include eating hygienic food and drinking disinfected water, getting immunised with hepatitis B and hepatitis A vaccines, using disposable syringes, proper cleaning of hands (by using soap and disinfectant) after handling bed, clothes and utensils of the patient.