African Traditional Herbal Research Clinic STD's ... - Blackherbals.com

Continued from page 6 – Sexually Transmitted Diseases -
Hepatitis
all types. Symptoms may include flu-like symptoms,
fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, generalized itching,
fever, light or clay colored stools, dark urine, abdominal
swelling, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the
skin and the whites of the eyes).
Hepatitis A (HAV)
Symptoms usually develop about 4 weeks after infection,
but may occur in 15-50 days. 10 to 15% of patients may
experience a relapse of symptoms during the 6 months
following the initial infection.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
The incubation period from the time of exposure to signs
and symptoms is 6 weeks to 6 months. If present,
symptoms described above, may also include a rash or
arthritis during the early stages. Only 50% of adults
with acute HBV infections are symptomatic, and
about 1% of cases result in acute liver failure or
death. Young patients are at a higher risk of a
chronic infection. Compared to 2 to 6% of adults,
about 90% of infected infants and 60% of infected
children under 5 years old become chronically
infected. Other concerns are cirrhosis of the liver and
liver cancer.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
It is estimated that each year 25,000 Americans are newly
infected with hepatitis C, but only 20% of those infected
will experience any symptoms. Many people with chronic
HCV have mild to moderate liver damage, after being
infected for years without being diagnosed because their
symptoms (flu-like symptoms, fatigue, loss of appetite,
nausea, malaise, fever, light stools, dark urine, abdominal
swelling, and jaundice) are not obvious. If a person
develops cirrhosis of the liver, the symptoms may be
more obvious. Abnormalities are usually noted in liver
enzyme levels for those with chronic HCV.
Hepatitis D (HDV)
Only those with active Hepatitis B can be infected with
Hepatitis D. Symptoms are similar to those of acute HBV
and may not be noticeable or may be severe. HDV may
cause symptoms in hepatitis B carriers who had no
symptoms and may even increase the severity of an acute
HBV infection. The acute cases usually subside over 2 to
3 weeks, but the HBV – HDV infection may become
chronic and may be contagious at times through out the
lifespan of the infected.
Hepatitis E (HEV)
The incubation period ranges from 15 to 60 days. Many
are asymptomatic, but symptoms may include fatigue,
loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, and fever.
Pregnant women, who become infected with HEV, are
particularly at risk as case-fatality rates as high as 15%–
25% have been reported. Fetal loss is common.
What is the Treatment for Hepatitis
Hepatitis A (HAV)
Hepatitis A can be prevented with a two-dose vaccine
series, given at least six months apart. These vaccines are
recommended for high risk persons and include those
living or traveling to a country where HAV is prevalent,
injecting drug users, those with chronic liver disease, and
men who have sex with men. Immune Globulin (IG) can
be given before or after exposure to HAV, to help prevent
the disease from manifesting.
There is no cure for HAV, but most people, even with a
severe case, will recover completely. Rest, avoiding oralanal
sexual contact, and practicing safe sex with condoms
are suggested. Also, abstaining from alcohol and
medications such as painkillers and sedatives, which may
cause liver damage, is recommended. Those with signs of
acute liver failure or dehydration, due to nausea and
vomiting, may require hospitalization.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis B can be prevented with a three dose vaccine
series, which also prevents hepatitis D, which can exist
only with hepatitis B. Routinely vaccinating infants has
been protocol for years. Anyone can be vaccinated, but it
is especially recommended for those at high risk.
Considered high risk would include those who live or
travel to areas where HBV is prevalent, men who have
sex with other men, health care workers, injecting drug
users, and sexual partners of chronic carriers of HBV.
Barriers/dental dams and condoms should be used to
prevent contagion from sexual (oral, anal, vaginal)
contact.
HBV infection can be self-limited or chronic. If the
condition is chronic, the antiviral agent, interferon,
lamivudine (Epivir), or adefovir dipivoxil, are used to
treat HBV. A health care provider should be consulted for
more information. If the infection is acute, or recently
acquired, no specific treatment is recommended; the
disease runs its course and usually results with complete
recovery. Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and the
HBV vaccine should be administered within 7 days after
being exposed to acute HBV to help prevent illness for
individuals who haven’t been vaccinated already. HIVinfected
persons with HBV infection are more likely to
result with a chronic condition. HIV infection may
weaken the response to the HBV vaccine and may require
additional doses. Continued on page 14
-7- Traditional African Clinic October 2011