Acute viral hepatitis

💡 What is Acute Viral Hepatitis?

Acute viral hepatitis is a sudden inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections, most commonly:

• 🅰️ Hepatitis A (HAV)
• 🅱️ Hepatitis B (HBV)
• 🅲 Hepatitis C (HCV)
• 🅴 Hepatitis E (HEV)

⚠️ How is it transmitted?

• 🍔 Contaminated food/water → HAV & HEV
• 🩸 Blood & body fluids → HBV & HCV
• 💉 Needles / transfusions / unsafe practices
• 🤰 Mother to baby (HBV)

🚨 Symptoms

Many patients are asymptomatic, but common signs include:

• 🤒 Fever & fatigue
• 🤢 Nausea & vomiting
• 🟡 Jaundice (yellow eyes & skin)
• 🌑 Dark urine
• 💩 Pale stools
• 😣 Right upper abdominal pain

🔬 Diagnosis

• 🧪 Liver enzymes (ALT/AST ↑)
• 🧬 Viral serology (HAV IgM, HBsAg, Anti-HCV, etc.)
• 📊 Bilirubin levels

💊 Treatment

• 🛌 Supportive care (rest, hydration)
• 🚫 Avoid alcohol & hepatotoxic drugs
• 💉 Antivirals in selected cases (especially HBV, HCV)

🛡️ Prevention

• 💉 Vaccination (HAV & HBV)
• 🧼 Good hygiene & safe food
• 🩸 Safe blood transfusion practices
• 💉 Avoid needle sharing

⚡ Complications (rare but serious)

• ⚠️ Fulminant hepatic failure
• 🔁 Chronic hepatitis (HBV, HCV)
• 🧬 Liver cirrhosis & cancer

🎯 Key Takeaway

👉 Most cases of acute viral hepatitis are self-limiting, but early recognition and prevention are critical to avoid serious complications.

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