How long does hepatitis C live in the external environment? At what temperature can the hepatitis C virus die How the hepatitis C virus dissolves in water.

Hepatitis C virus is one of the most dangerous diseases encountered in our time. In terms of the severity of the impact and the consequences for the person, it can be compared with HIV. The hepatitis C virus, or, as it is commonly called, the "affectionate killer", is transmitted most often when contaminated blood comes into contact with healthy blood. Many people are affected by this dangerous disease. In this regard, ordinary people have a question about how long the hepatitis C virus lives in the external environment and what is the risk of infection in an ordinary person.

Features of the disease

The hepatitis C virus is one of four types of a dangerous infectious disease. The causative agent of the pathology belongs to the genus of flaviviruses, has a rounded shape and relatively small size.

The virus is widespread throughout the world, but most often outbreaks of infection are recorded in Latin America. Scientists suggest that this is due to the structural features of its shell and a large number of genotypes capable of mutation. According to the latest data, there are 14 variations of the disease, each of which can have up to 40 different subtypes.

A distinctive feature of hepatitis C from other viral liver lesions is its asymptomatic course. The person feels great, but at this time, serious pathological changes... The virus is detected by chance, and more often in an advanced form (cirrhosis or cancer).

It is almost impossible to get rid of pathology, but with early diagnosis, a person can lead an ordinary life for many years with some restrictions.

How is it transmitted

The hepatitis C virus is the most common of these infections. To date, more than 150 million infected people have been officially registered worldwide (5 of them live in Russia). Each year, the "affectionate killer" infects about 4 million people.

Many people have the risk of getting infected, there are 2 main routes of transmission:

The pathogen can enter the body through blood transfusions, when using non-sterile medical or manicure instruments, with unprotected intercourse, when using an infected toothbrush or razor. The risk group includes healthcare workers, drug addicts, prostitutes (and people who often change partners), homosexuals and HIV-positive people.

Most often, the causative agent of hepatitis C enters the body through the blood (about 90% of cases), but the probability of infection does not exceed 10%. For this, it is necessary that the concentration of the virus is high enough, and the victim's immunity is weakened.

Lifetime of the pathogen

In connection with the massive spread of the hepatitis C virus and the lack of a vaccine against it, scientists around the world are interested in the question of how long it can live in the external environment and in what conditions it dies.

Virologists conducted a series of experiments in laboratories, using chimpanzees as subjects due to the closeness of their DNA to humans.

In particular, a breakthrough study is considered when the infected blood was dried in a vacuum, then the samples were divided into 3 parts:

1. One was immediately frozen in a chamber at minus 70 degrees.
2. The rest were soaked in distilled water and placed in artificially created conditions (temperature 25 degrees Celsius, humidity 40%). Some of the samples were stored for 4 days, the remaining - a week, after which both groups were frozen again.

The reconstituted blood was administered to primates and found out that:

• after freezing (even long-term), the virus does not die;
• in room conditions, the pathogen is partially destroyed after 4 days, completely - after a week.

However, not so long ago it was determined that the stability in the external environment (outside the body) is strongly influenced by temperature and humidity. For example, if it is 4-20 degrees indoors or outdoors, the pathogen remains viable for up to 6 weeks in air.

It has been found that dried blood or saliva is dangerous to others for up to 1.5 months.

Is it possible to defeat the "varnish killer"?

Researchers who studied how long the causative agent of hepatitis C lives in the environment, determined how to prevent infection. Destructive for this type of virus:

• boric, hydrochloric and phosphoric acid;
• Miramistin;
• chloramine;
• 70% medical alcohol;
• hydrogen peroxide.

If physiological fluid gets on various surfaces, it is enough to treat them with one of the listed antiseptics (without diluting with water).

It was determined at what temperature and how quickly the hepatitis C virus can die:

• when boiling (100 degrees) - in 2-4 minutes;
• when heated to 60 degrees - in half an hour.

As it turned out, prolonged exposure to sunlight or lamps emitting ultraviolet light is also detrimental to the pathogen.

If potentially harmful blood or saliva comes into contact with damaged body skin, there is a chance to kill the virus:

If blood or saliva gets into your mouth, you need to rinse it with alcohol or manganese solution, the nasal cavity is treated with protargol. When physiological fluids are leaking into the eyes, the mucous membrane should be rinsed with boric acid (concentration no more than 1%).

A person who has been in contact with contaminated blood remains at risk for a year. He should be monitored regularly in a medical facility and donate blood for antibodies. Analyzes are done on the day of treatment, then every 3 months.

It is becoming clear that the risk of contracting hepatitis C is quite high, since the virus remains viable for up to 1.5 months. Danger can await a person in a manicure or tattoo parlor, with an unexpected romantic acquaintance and, as it turned out, within the walls of medical institutions. To protect yourself, you need to follow several recommendations:

1. Protect yourself if sexual partners often change. However, the only one can infect, because the virus does not manifest itself long time.
2. Before manicure (or tattooing) make sure sterile instruments are used.
3. Do not take strangers (even a loved one) toothbrushes, razors, towels.
4. Wash clothes at 60 degrees for at least half an hour (at this temperature, the hepatitis C virus will definitely die).

People with family members with hepatitis C are advised to wet mop every day. You can buy an ultraviolet lamp and treat the room with it 1-2 times a day.

Hepatitis C is a dangerous disease that can be found in any person. The study of the virus began at the end of the last century, so it is not known for certain how long it has been dangerous. There is no vaccine against the affectionate killer, so the only way to protect yourself is through prevention.

Among all hepatitis type "C" is considered to be a rather severe disease, which in 80% is chronic and complicated by cirrhosis. Replaced by connective tissue, liver cells become the basis for malignancy, which is manifested by hepatocellular carcinoma.

Often, the patient seeks a doctor at a late stage, when it is practically impossible to restore the structure of the liver. Through a thorough diagnosis, the specialist determines the type of pathogen, after which he selects the most effective medicines for this case.

The causative agent belongs to flaviviruses. In comparison with hepatitis B, type "C" is less commonly transmitted through intimacy and vertical transmission.

The main route of spread of pathogens is through the blood. It is carried out by direct contact with both fresh and dried biological material. Long-term preservation in the environment and resistance to adverse conditions are due to the specific properties of the pathogen.

The following routes of infection are distinguished:

1. use of a contaminated reusable / disposable syringe by a healthy person after a virus carrier;
2. tattooing and piercing with non-sterile instruments;
3. acupuncture;
4. blood transfusion (blood transfusion). Due to careful screening of the material being handed over, the frequency of infection has decreased significantly compared to the period before 1992;
5. manicure performed with contaminated instruments;
6. hemodialysis;
7. use by healthy people of hygienic means of the virus carrier. Each person should have a personal razor, scissors, toothbrush and a towel;
8. promiscuous sex without condoms. More high risk infection is observed with intimacy, when the mucous membrane of the genitals is injured, and blood contact occurs;
9. the vertical method is the transmission of pathogens from mother to baby. During the period of embryo gestation, the probability of infection is minimal, but during childbirth, the risk increases significantly. With natural delivery, when using forceps, the skin of the baby can be damaged, through which it becomes infected.

The risk group for infection includes:

1. medical workers;
2. injection drug addicts;
3. patients who often undergo blood transfusion;
4. homosexuals;
5. boarding school staff;
6. people living in a house with a virus carrier;
7. HIV-infected;
8. patients of the hemodialysis department.

How long does hepatitis C live in the external environment?

Recently, the frequency of registration of HCV of various genotypes has increased significantly, which alarms doctors. About five years ago, research results were published in America, which indicated a good resistance of the hepatitis C virus in the external environment. The infection can retain its properties in dried blood for up to six weeks.

Research institute staff examined possible ways the spread of the virus both in laboratory conditions and in medical institutions. How long the hepatitis C virus lives in air depends on the ambient temperature. Of course, after a person is infected, the pathogen falls into ideal conditions, but with blood, saliva and other biological fluids, it is periodically released outside, which requires some adaptation from it.

The pathogenic agent retains its infectious properties for a week, provided the temperature is maintained within the range from + 4 to +22 degrees. Any fluctuations outside the specified range are accompanied by inhibition of its activity.

The length of the period during which the patient's biological material can remain infectious depends on how long the hepatitis C virus lives. People who often come into contact with him or live in an apartment with a carrier of the infection need to know this. Given the stability of the pathogen in the air, drops of blood should be removed from the surface of furniture with antiseptics, and not just with a cloth dipped in water.

It is important to remember that the pathogen is not afraid of low temperatures. In the course of numerous tests, it was found that drying of HCV and its subsequent freezing did not lead to the death of the infection. She can live and maintain her properties for many years. After placing the pathogen in warm conditions, it again becomes dangerous to others.

Chimpanzees were used for the experiments, since they have DNA similar in structure to human. First, the blood sample was dried and divided into three parts:

• the first one was frozen at a temperature of 70 degrees;
• the second was soaked in distilled water and left in a chamber where optimal conditions were created (+25, humidity 40%). After 4 days, the sample was frozen;
• the third - similar to the previous one, only the transfer to a medium with a low temperature was carried out in a week.

After the blood was restored, it was administered to primates, as a result of which their infection was diagnosed. From this it follows that prolonged freezing does not have a detrimental effect on the pathogen. Under room conditions, it loses its activity after 4 days, and after a week it dies.

At what temperature does hepatitis C virus die?

Scientists have found that the hepatitis C virus dies under the influence of disinfectants with a certain concentration of antiseptic substances. They should be known as a reliable way to inactivate HCV. How long the hepatitis C virus lives outside the body depends not only on the living conditions, but also on the methods of dealing with it.

It is possible to eliminate the infection with the help of chloramine, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol-containing solutions (propyl, ethanol 70%). Also, the pathogen is not resistant to hydrochloric, boric and phosphoric acids. A powerful antiseptic is 95% alcohol. It leads to the destruction of proteins by folding them. To overcome HCV, it is necessary to act on it with alcohol for two minutes, while preventing the evaporation of the antiseptic vapors.

Sterilization of the room and the objects in it is carried out using ultraviolet radiation. If the garment needs cleaning, it should be laundered as soon as possible. It is important to remember that the death of the pathogen during boiling is observed after a few minutes. If you use hot water (50 degrees), inactivation of the infection occurs in a quarter of an hour. In this regard, it is recommended to boil clothes contaminated with blood for five minutes or wash in a machine for half an hour at a temperature of 60.

How long do hepatitis C viruses and other forms of the disease live?

Today, seven forms of hepatitis are distinguished, of which the most common are types A, B and C. Below is their resistance in various habitats:

1. in the environment, namely in water, HCV persists for ten months, and on land - no more than a week. Under the influence of a 60-degree temperature, the pathogen withstands about two hours, however, when boiling, it collapses after five minutes;
2. HBV living in a room does not lose its activity for three months. Frost acts on him much better, since the virus can persist up to six years. At 60-degree exposure, the pathogen withstands about 3 hours. Its inactivation is observed after a five-minute autoclaving, as well as after an hour of boiling in a soda solution;
3. in room conditions, HCV is able to maintain its infectious properties for up to four days, however, it does not withstand two minutes of boiling and half an hour exposure to 60-degree temperatures.

What should I do if I come into contact with an infected object?

There are several options for fighting the infection, after which it loses its pathogenic properties and is deactivated:

• bleach instantly kills the pathogen. To obtain a solution, it is enough to thoroughly stir the powder in water in a ratio of 1: 100. In addition, in the pharmacy you can buy special antiseptics that have a detrimental effect on the virus;
• if the skin is cut with an infected object, immediately squeeze out the blood from the damaged area, thoroughly treat the affected area with soapy water and wipe with alcohol (70%). Iodine can be used instead of the last antiseptic;
• eyes should be rinsed with 1% boric acid if blood with HCV has got into them;
• if an infected liquid enters the oral cavity, it is recommended to spit it out and rinse with a solution of potassium permanganate;
• if blood with viruses gets on the nasal mucosa, it is necessary to treat it with a solution of protargol.

To make sure that there is no infection, it is required to undergo laboratory diagnostics immediately after contact with contaminated material. Re-examination is prescribed after 4 and 24 weeks.

To avoid infection and to prevent the infection of others, you must follow the precautions and the following recommendations:

1. you must use exclusively personal hygiene products... Everyone should have their own nail scissors, towel and razor;
2. if contaminated blood or saliva gets on household items or clothes, it is necessary to clean them as soon as possible, since the pathogen can remain in an active form for a long time;
3. injections must be performed with disposable syringes;
4. use the services of proven beauty salons with a high sanitary and epidemiological level;
5. do not try on other people's jewelry (earrings, piercings);
6. use sterile instruments for manicure, medical care (surgery), as well as diagnostics (gynecological examination);
7. you need to give up drugs;
8. the wound surface on the skin after treatment with an antiseptic must be covered with a plaster;
9. condoms should not be neglected;
10. it is desirable to have one sexual partner;

Fatty liver disease is a serious pathology, which is also known as fatty hepatosis, lipodystrophy, steatosis.

it chronic illness, the essence of which can be characterized by pathological accumulation of fat cells, which ultimately leads to the loss of the liver of its direct functional purpose.

1. Reasons for the development of fatty liver disease
2. Signs and classification of the disease
3. The main methods for diagnosing fatty liver disease
4. Pathology treatment methods
5. Traditional medicine for liver health
6. Proper nutrition for fatty liver disease

Most often, the disease is diagnosed in men and women over 45 years of age. Moreover, in women, this diagnosis occurs 2 times more often than in men.

Fatty degeneration requires immediate treatment, since pathology can entail the most severe and dangerous consequences, which include the cessation of the liver's full functioning.

Reasons for the development of fatty liver disease

Do not destroy the body with pills! The liver is treated without expensive drugs at the junction of scientific and traditional medicine

Normally, fat cells are present in the liver tissue of each person, but their total number is no more than 5%. The fact that a person has fatty degeneration of the liver can be said if the level of fat cells rises to 10% or more.

In the most advanced cases, the volume of fat cells can exceed 55%.

Pathological fat accumulation can be associated with prolonged intoxication of the body. As a result, adipose tissue accumulates and degenerates into the so-called fatty cysts, which over time can burst and cause serious complications that are dangerous to humans.

The causes of fatty liver disease can be very diverse:

• A common cause of the disease is prolonged use of alcoholic beverages, leading to severe liver intoxication.
• Severe liver poisoning during the constant use of some medicines - antiviral, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs.
• Various metabolic pathologies - diseases affecting the thyroid gland, hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex, diabetes mellitus, as well as obesity of varying degrees.
• One of the most common causes of fatty liver pathology is unhealthy diet. Frequent consumption of fatty, flour food puts an increased load on the organ, too rare or insufficient meals, as well as regular overeating. Fast food, sweets, semi-finished products with added preservatives will also not benefit the body. In addition, the cause of the development of the disease can be a passion for strict mono-diets.
• An important role is played by the hereditary factor - it has been established that cases of diagnosing liver diseases in family members increase the risk of pathology by about 90%.

The causes of pathological processes in the liver are often directly related to the lifestyle - the systematic use of alcoholic beverages, drugs, lack of physical activity, inactivity.

The likelihood of developing fatty liver disease increases in people whose professional activity associated with industrial plants and various chemicals.

The hepatic pathological process develops as follows: fats enter the digestive system, which normally should yield to splitting, but not accompanied by splitting.

In the case of liver disease, the fat cell does not break down, gradually accumulates and leads to pathologies of the internal organ.

Signs and classification of the disease

For the treatment and cleansing of the LIVER, our readers successfully use the method of Elena Malysheva. Having carefully studied this method, we decided to offer it to your attention.

The danger of this pathological process lies in the fact that most often the symptoms of fatty degeneration of the liver for a sufficient time do not appear at all.

Most often on initial stage development, fat accumulates completely asymptomatically, so not a single sign indicates that a pathological process is developing in the body.

The symptoms of the disease and their severity depend on the type and severity of the disease:

1. The first degree of severity - the formation of fatty plaques is single, they are located in a chaotic manner.
2. Second degree - fat cells are small lumps that affect the liver, cause severe pain in the liver and a general deterioration in well-being.
3. The third stage - the pathology is becoming more and more pronounced, the symptoms can be seen with the "naked" eye, fat capsules are large local neoplasms that can be located in different parts of the liver.
4. Degeneration of such an advanced stage is practically not amenable to treatment. At this stage of the disease, necrosis most often develops, therefore it is no longer possible to restore the most important functions of the internal organ.

The main symptoms of fatty degeneration include the appearance of a feeling of weakness, chronic fatigue, in some cases, attacks of nausea, bloating, increased gas production in the intestines, heaviness and discomfort in the liver.

A person with liver pathology may be disturbed by a feeling of discomfort, heaviness in the stomach, painful spasms in the right hypochondrium, the appearance of bitterness in the mouth and an unpleasant belching with a bitter taste.

With liver dystrophy of a fatty nature, a person may be disturbed by a constant aversion to food, especially fatty, regular stool disorders, which can be expressed in the form of diarrhea or constipation.

At the advanced stages of the disease, which are precursors of liver cirrhosis, the following symptoms can be noticed - intense yellowing of the eye sclera and skin, a rash appears on the skin, attacks of nausea are increasingly replaced by severe vomiting.

The main methods for diagnosing fatty liver disease

Elena Nikolaeva, Ph.D., hepatologist, associate professor: “There are herbs that act quickly and affect the liver, nullifying the disease. […] Personally, I know the only drug that contains all the necessary extracts…. ”

Diagnosis of fatty degeneration of the liver is based on interviewing the patient and a thorough study clinical picture diseases, taste preferences and lifestyle characteristics of a person, as well as a medical examination of the liver area.

In addition, laboratory tests are required to make the correct diagnosis:

• General clinical analysis of blood, feces and urine.
• Evaluation of the content of markers in relation to viral hepatic pathologies.
• Ultrasound scanning of the liver and abdominal organs.
• Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
• Histological examination of liver cells.
• A biopsy that allows you to identify the presence of fatty neoplasms, their size, number and exact location.

Based on the results obtained, the optimal course of treatment is selected. But this is done exclusively by the attending physician on an individual basis.

Pathology treatment methods

I was probably one of those “lucky ones” who had to go through almost all the symptoms of a sick liver. For me, it was possible to make a description of diseases in all details and with all the nuances!

Treatment of fatty liver disease involves taking pharmacological drugs while adhering to the basic rules of a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition.

Drug treatment of pathology is carried out with antioxidants and membrane stabilizers.

All drugs used to treat fatty degeneration can be roughly divided into several subcategories:

1. Medicines containing essential phospholipids - Essliver, Hepabos, Essentiale.
2. Sulfoamino acids - Dibikor, Heptral, Taurine, Methionine.
3. Herbal medicines - Karsil, Hofitol, Liv 52.

These medications effectively restore liver cells, normalize metabolism, increase the level of immunity, and also have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

Traditional medicine for liver health

Traditional medicine offers many home treatment options for fatty liver disease.

For example, for this disease, it is very useful to use cinnamon sticks and powder, sorrel, turmeric and milk thistle.

Also, to restore the health of the liver, it is very useful to use a special "pumpkin honey" - for this you need to cut off the "cap" of the pumpkin, peel the seeds, clean out the pulp and fill the pumpkin with natural honey.

You can also prepare a remedy from medicinal herbs - for this you need to combine raspberry leaves, string, sage, wormwood, chamomile, linden, birch and yarrow. All components must be pre-crushed and filled with water - a glass of boiling water is required for ½ cup of the herbal mixture. Leave for 2-3 hours to infuse and drink throughout the day as a regular drink.

Proper nutrition for fatty liver disease

The diet of fatty degeneration of the liver is extremely important, since it is a properly selected diet that guarantees the health of the organ. People with liver problems are usually advised to follow dietary table # 5 - limiting protein foods to 115 g per day, avoiding fatty, fried foods.

Patients are advised to eat more foods that are good for the liver - fish, seafood, cottage cheese, cereals, fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs. It is also very beneficial to include in your diet dairy products with a low percentage of fat - kefir, fermented baked milk, yoghurts.

Proper nutrition for fatty liver disease implies the use of a sufficient amount of liquid. In the absence of any contraindications, a person should consume at least 2-2.5 liters of still water per day.

Any alcoholic beverages, sausages, canned food, semi-finished products, pasta, baked goods, fatty meats, lard, mayonnaise and other store sauces should be strictly prohibited.

What can you eat with acute cholecystitis?

Nothing contributes to the development of cholecystitis as poor diet. Eating in a hurry, fast food snacks, semi-finished products, endless late dinners lead not only to a set of extra pounds, but also to a violation of the outflow of bile and the formation of stones. An infection (streptococci, E. coli, pyogenic bacteria) often joins the process, which triggers the inflammatory process. Therefore, the diet for acute cholecystitis helps to restore the disturbed functions of the digestive system without overloading it. The food taken is not only a source of energy, but also a medicine, and therefore the diet must be strict, but providing the body with all the necessary substances.

Cholecystitis is very often accompanied by inflammation of the pancreas - pancreatitis, the pathology in this case is called cholecystopancreatitis. Gastritis, a disease of the gastric mucosa, or gastroduodenitis, a lesion of the duodenum, may be present.

At the peak of the acute period

Acute cholecystitis, or exacerbation of chronic cholecystopancreatitis, is quite difficult and requires hospitalization. In the early days, bed rest and abstinence from food are necessary to ensure peace of the digestive system. The physical condition of the patient is appropriate - he has no time for food. Severe nausea, urge to vomit, heaviness and pain in the abdomen do not allow eating. In acute cholecystitis, it is strongly recommended to drink a lot of warm liquid for the speedy elimination of inflammation products and liquefaction of bile:

• clean water without gas;
• vegetable juices diluted with water;
• sugar-free berry or fruit compotes;
• weak decoctions of mint, chamomile, rose hips.

Strong tea, coffee are excluded.

Usually the peak of exacerbation lasts from two to four days, then there is some improvement, in which the patient is able to eat. The receding nausea and the awakened appetite are confirmation of this.

The main task of nutrition is to maintain the balance of bile secretion, sparing the enzymatic functions of inflamed organs. The gastrointestinal tract should not be overloaded. Pevzner's therapeutic diet No. 5 "A", prescribed for acute cholecystitis and pancreatitis, copes with this perfectly.

• porridge cooked in milk in half with water - semolina, oatmeal or pureed rice;
• boiled potatoes;
• boiled mashed vegetables - pumpkin, zucchini, cauliflower;
• slimy cereal soups or vegetable puree soups;
• fruit jelly, compotes, jelly or soufflé;
• soaked yesterday's white bread without crusts.

Food should be mashed, semi-liquid consistency without coarse, hard inclusions, crusts. On the first day, it is advisable to completely eliminate salt and any fats.

Approximate menu for one day

With concomitant pancreatitis, fresh milk should not be consumed.

On the following days, you can add a little butter or vegetable oil to ready-made dishes, in case of gallstone disease - only butter. It is allowed to add a little salt.

The total amount of food consumed on the first day after abstinence should not exceed 700-800 g, not including drinks. One-time intake - no more than 150 g several times a day. Gradually, the portion size needs to be increased, focusing on well-being.

The calorie content should be brought to 2000 kcal. Perhaps some increase or decrease in the nutritional value of the diet, depending on the weight and age of the patient with cholecystitis, the upper threshold provides for no more than 2500 kcal. With concomitant acute cholecystitis obesity, the energy value of the diet can be reduced to 1200-1500 kcal.

Every two days, the list of allowed foods needs to be expanded and start eating:

• lean fish - hake, cod, pollock, pike perch, navaga;
• low-fat meats - white chicken, turkey, veal without veins, cartilage, skins;
• egg whites;
• fat-free unleavened cottage cheese.

Salt is limited to 1/4 teaspoon per day in prepared meals. Sweets, pure sugar should be excluded. Raw vegetables and fruits are highly undesirable, as they can cause spasms, fermentation, increased gas production in the intestines.

In acute cholecystitis and pancreatitis, due to severe intoxication and involvement in the inflammatory process of the liver and duodenum, intolerance to certain foods and odors is likely. Can long time persist nausea or gag reflex when trying to eat. In these cases, a doctor should prescribe a diet, taking into account all medical indications.

If there is no possibility of preparing diet food, occasionally you can eat ready-made baby purees from fruits and vegetables that do not contain fats and salts.

Recovery

When the physical state will improve, a recovery period of about three months is required, for which a therapeutic diet No. 5 "P" is indicated, which allows buckwheat porridge, weak tea, natural weakly brewed coffee, berry, fruit jam, a little marshmallow or marshmallow, egg yolks 1-2 per week ( in the absence of large stones in gallbladder), raw chopped vegetables and fruits without skin, except for very acidic or containing coarse dietary fiber.

It is unacceptable to overeat or take long breaks between meals. There is a need to eat a little every three hours. It should become a permanent habit.

In case of calculous cholecystitis, caution should be exercised when dealing with products with a choleretic effect - honey, vegetable oils, citrus fruits, pears, watermelons, and prunes. Increased stimulation of gallbladder motility can provoke clogging of the ducts with calculi and the development of complications.

During the recovery period, it is useful to carry out a course of treatment with alkaline mineral water - Borjomi, Essentuki No. 4. Before using the water, it is necessary to warm up and remove gas from it.

With cholecystitis, acute and chronic pancreatitis, constant dietary restrictions must be observed. You need to forget about smoked, fried foods, spicy, spicy seasonings, pickled, salty foods. Should be excluded:

• lard, meat, fish delicacies, caviar;
• purine-rich by-products
• rich broths;
• margarine, spreads, cooking oils;
• fatty sour cream, cream, spicy salty cheeses;
• butter dough, pastries, cakes;
• chocolate, sweets, ice cream;
• white cabbage, mushrooms, nuts, raw onions, radishes, radishes, peppers, sorrel, rhubarb;
• corn, millet, legumes;
• alcoholic, carbonated drinks;
• canned food, semi-finished products, snacks, fast food.

These products should not be consumed even during periods of stable remission, so as not to cause deterioration.

Diet No. 5 for cholecystitis and pancreatitis can be followed throughout life, occasionally allowing slight indulgences. Such nutrition is the best way to maintain the health of the digestive system, helps to control weight, lowers total cholesterol, and maintains proper blood sugar levels. It is physiological, fully balanced in terms of protein, carbohydrate, fat, and mineral composition.

Viral hepatitis is a group of common and dangerous for humans infectious diseases, which are quite significantly different from each other, are caused by different viruses, but still have a common feature - this is a disease that primarily affects the human liver and causes its inflammation. Therefore, viral hepatitis of different types is often grouped under the name "jaundice" - one of the most common symptoms of hepatitis.

Jaundice epidemics have been described as early as the 5th century BC. Hippocrates, but the causative agents of hepatitis were discovered only in the middle of the last century. In addition, it should be noted that the concept of hepatitis in modern medicine can mean not only independent diseases, but also one of the components of a generalized, that is, affecting the body as a whole, pathological process.

Hepatitis (a, b, c, d), that is inflammatory liver damage, possible as a symptom of yellow fever, rubella, herpes, AIDS and some other diseases. There is also toxic hepatitis, which includes, for example, liver damage from alcoholism.

We will talk about independent infections - viral hepatitis. They differ in origin (etiology) and course, however, some symptoms of various types of this disease are somewhat similar to each other.

Classification of viral hepatitis

The classification of viral hepatitis is possible in many ways:

Danger of viral hepatitis

Especially dangerous for human health hepatitis viruses B and C... The ability to exist in the body for a long time without noticeable manifestations leads to severe complications due to the gradual destruction of liver cells.

Another characteristic feature of viral hepatitis is that anyone can get infected... Of course, in the presence of such factors as blood transfusion or work with it, drug addiction, promiscuous sex, the risk of contracting not only hepatitis, but also HIV increases. Therefore, for example, healthcare providers should regularly donate blood for markers of hepatitis.

But you can also get infected after a blood transfusion, injection with a non-sterile syringe, after surgery, a visit to the dentist, in a beauty parlor or for a manicure. Therefore, taking a blood test for viral hepatitis is recommended for everyone who is exposed to any of these risk factors.

Hepatitis C can also cause extrahepatic manifestations, such as autoimmune diseases... The constant fight against the virus can lead to a perverse reaction of the immune system to the body's own tissues, as a result of which glomerulonephritis, skin lesions, etc. appear.

Important: in no case should the disease be left untreated, since in this case the risk of its transition to a chronic form or rapid damage to the liver is higher.

Therefore, the only available way to protect yourself from the consequences of hepatitis infection is to rely on early diagnosis with the help of tests and subsequent visits to a doctor.

Forms of hepatitis

Acute hepatitis

The acute form of the disease is the most typical for all viral hepatitis. Patients have:

• deterioration of health;
• severe intoxication of the body;
• impaired liver function;
• development of jaundice;
• an increase in the amount of bilirubin and transaminase in the blood.

With adequate and timely treatment, acute hepatitis ends complete recovery of the patient.

Chronic hepatitis

If the disease lasts more than 6 months, then the patient is diagnosed with chronic hepatitis. This form is accompanied by severe symptoms (asthenovegetative disorders, enlargement of the liver and spleen, metabolic disorders) and often leads to cirrhosis of the liver, the development of malignant tumors.

Human life is under threatwhen chronic hepatitis, the symptoms of which indicate damage to vital organs, is aggravated by improper treatment, reduced immunity, alcohol dependence.

Common symptoms of hepatitis

Yellowness appears in hepatitis as a result of the ingestion of the enzyme bilirubin not processed in the liver into the blood. But it is not uncommon for this symptom to be absent in patients with hepatitis.

Usually, hepatitis in the initial period of the disease manifests flu symptoms... At the same time, it is noted:

• temperature increase;
• body aches;
• headache;
• general malaise.

As a result of the inflammatory process, the patient's liver increases and its membrane stretches, at the same time a pathological process can occur in the gallbladder and pancreas. All this is accompanied by pain in the right hypochondrium... Pains often have a long course, aching or dull in nature. But they can be sharp, intense, paroxysmal and radiate to the right shoulder blade or shoulder.

Descriptions of the symptoms of viral hepatitis

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A or Botkin's disease is the most common form of viral hepatitis. Him incubation period (from the moment of infection until the first signs of the disease appear) is from 7 to 50 days.

Causes of Hepatitis A

The greatest spread of hepatitis A reaches in the third world countries with their low sanitary and hygienic standard of living, but isolated cases or outbreaks of hepatitis A are possible even in the most developed countries of Europe and America.

Most characteristic path transmission of the virus is close household contact between people and the consumption of food or water contaminated with fecal material. Hepatitis A is also transmitted through dirty hands, which is why children most often get it.

Hepatitis A symptoms

The duration of hepatitis A disease can vary from 1 week to 1.5-2 months, and the recovery period following the disease sometimes stretches to six months.

The diagnosis of viral hepatitis A is made taking into account the symptoms of the disease, anamnesis (that is, the possibility of the occurrence of the disease due to contact with patients with hepatitis A is taken into account), as well as diagnostic data.

Hepatitis A treatment

Of all the forms, viral hepatitis A is considered the most favorable in terms of prognosis, it does not cause severe consequences and often ends spontaneously, without requiring active treatment.

If necessary, hepatitis A can be successfully treated, usually in a hospital setting. During the illness, patients are recommended to bed rest, a special diet and hepatoprotectors are prescribed - drugs that protect the liver.

Prevention of hepatitis A

The main preventive measure for hepatitis A is hygiene. In addition, children are recommended to be vaccinated against this type of viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B or serum hepatitis is a much more dangerous disease characterized by severe liver damage. The causative agent of hepatitis B is a virus containing DNA. The outer shell of the virus contains a surface antigen - HbsAg, which causes the formation of antibodies in the body to it. Diagnosis of viral hepatitis B is based on the detection of specific antibodies in the blood serum.

Viral hepatitis b remains infectious in blood serum at 30-32 degrees Celsius for 6 months, at minus 20 degrees Celsius for 15 years, after warming up to plus 60 degrees Celsius for an hour, and only with a 20-minute boil it disappears completely. That is why viral hepatitis B is so common in nature.

How is hepatitis B transmitted?

Infection with hepatitis B can occur through the blood, as well as through sexual intercourse and the vertical route - from mother to fetus.

Hepatitis B symptoms

In typical cases, hepatitis B, like Botkin's disease, begins with the following symptoms:

• temperature rise;
• weakness;
• joint pain;
• nausea and vomiting.

Symptoms such as dark urine and discoloration of the stool are also possible.

Other symptoms of viral hepatitis B may also appear:

• rashes;
• enlargement of the liver and spleen.

Jaundice for hepatitis B is uncommon. Liver damage can be extremely severe and, in difficult cases, lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis B treatment

Treatment of hepatitis B requires an integrated approach and depends on the stage and severity of the disease. The treatment uses immune drugs, hormones, hepatoprotectors, antibiotics.

To prevent the disease, vaccination is used, which is usually carried out in the first year of life. It is believed that the duration of post-vaccination immunity to hepatitis B is at least 7 years.

Hepatitis C

The most severe form of viral hepatitis is considered hepatitis C or post-transfusion hepatitis. Anyone can get hepatitis C virus infection and is more common in younger people. The incidence is increasing.

This disease is called post-transfusion hepatitis due to the fact that viral hepatitis C infection most often occurs through blood - through blood transfusion or through non-sterile syringes. At present, all donated blood must be tested for the hepatitis C virus. Less often, sexual transmission of the virus or vertical transmission from mother to fetus is possible.

How is hepatitis C spread?

There are two ways of transmission of the virus (as in viral hepatitis B): hematogenous (i.e., through the blood) and sexual. The most common route is hematogenous.

How does infection occur

When blood transfusion and its components. Previously, this was the main method of infection. However, with the advent of the method of laboratory diagnosis of viral hepatitis C and its introduction into the mandatory list of donor examinations, this path faded into the background.

The most common method currently is infection with tattooing and piercing... The use of poorly sterilized, and sometimes even untreated instruments has led to a sharp surge in the incidence.

Often, infection occurs when visiting dentist, manicure rooms.

Using common needles for intravenous drug administration. Hepatitis C is extremely common among drug addicts.

Using common with a sick man of toothbrushes, razors, nail scissors.

The virus can be transmitted from mother to child at the time of birth.

When sexual contact: this route is not so relevant for hepatitis C. Only 3-5% of unprotected sex cases can become infected.

Injection with infected needles: This infection is not uncommon among healthcare professionals.

In about 10% of people with hepatitis C, the source remains unclear.

Symptoms of hepatitis C

There are two forms of the course of viral hepatitis C - acute (relatively short period, severe course) and chronic (protracted course of the disease). Most people, even in the acute phase, do not notice any symptoms, however, in 25-35% of cases, symptoms similar to other acute hepatitis appear.

The symptoms of hepatitis are usually after 4-12 weeks after infection (however, this period can be within 2-24 weeks).

Symptoms of Acute Hepatitis C

• Loss of appetite.
• Abdominal pain.
• Dark urine.
• Light-colored chair.

Chronic hepatitis C symptoms

As with the acute form, people with chronic hepatitis C often experience no symptoms in the early and even late stages of the disease. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a person to be surprised to learn that he is sick after an accidental blood test, for example, when going to the doctor in connection with a common cold.

Important: it is possible to be infected for years and not know about it, which is why hepatitis C is sometimes called the "silent killer".

If the symptoms do appear, then they are likely to be as follows:

• Pain, bloating, discomfort in the liver (in the right side).
• Fever.
• Muscle pain, joint pain.
• Decreased appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Depression.
• Jaundice (yellow skin tone and sclera of the eyes).
• Chronic fatigue, rapid fatigue.
• Vascular "stars" on the skin.

In some cases, as a result of the body's immune response, damage can develop not only to the liver, but also to other organs. For example, kidney damage called cryoglobulinemia may develop.

In this condition, abnormal proteins are present in the blood, which become solid when the temperature drops. Cryoglobulinemia can lead to a variety of consequences ranging from skin rashes to severe renal failure.

Diagnosis of viral hepatitis C

Differential diagnosis is similar to that for hepatitis A and B. It should be borne in mind that the icteric form of hepatitis C, as a rule, proceeds with mild intoxication. The only reliable confirmation of hepatitis C is the results of marker diagnostics.

Given the large number of anicteric forms of hepatitis C, it is necessary to carry out marker diagnostics of persons who systematically receive a large number of injections (primarily, intravenous drug users).

Laboratory diagnostics of the acute phase of hepatitis C is based on the detection of viral RNA in PCR and specific IgM by various serological methods. When hepatitis C virus RNA is detected, genotyping is desirable.

The detection of serum IgG to the antigens of viral hepatitis C indicates either a previous illness or the continuing persistence of the virus.

Treatment of viral hepatitis C

Despite all the terrible complications that hepatitis C can lead to, in most cases the course of hepatitis C is favorable - for many years the hepatitis C virus may not show itself.

At this time, hepatitis C does not require special treatment - only careful medical monitoring. It is necessary to regularly check the liver function, at the first signs of disease activation, antiviral therapy.

Currently used 2 antiviral drug, which are most often combined:

• interferon alpha;
• ribavirin.

Interferon-alpha is a protein that the body synthesizes on its own in response to a viral infection, i.e. it is actually a component of natural antiviral defense. In addition, interferon alpha has antitumor activity.

Interferon alpha has many side effects, especially when administered parenterally, i.e. in the form of injections, as it is usually used in the treatment of hepatitis C. Therefore, treatment should be carried out under compulsory medical supervision with the regular determination of a number of laboratory parameters and a corresponding correction of the dosage of the drug.

Ribavirin as self-treatment has low efficiency, however, when combined with interferon, it significantly increases its effectiveness.

Traditional treatment quite often leads to full recovery from chronic and acute forms hepatitis C, or to a significant slowdown in the progression of the disease.

About 70-80% of people with hepatitis C develop chronic form a disease that poses the greatest danger, since this disease can lead to the formation of a malignant tumor of the liver (i.e. cancer) or cirrhosis of the liver.

When hepatitis C is combined with other forms of viral hepatitis, the patient's condition can deteriorate sharply, the course of the disease can be complicated and lead to death.

The danger of viral hepatitis C is also that an effective vaccine capable of protecting a healthy person from infection does not currently exist, although scientists are making a lot of efforts in this direction to prevent viral hepatitis.

How many live with hepatitis C

Based on medical experience and research in this area, living with hepatitis C is possible and even long enough. A common disease, among other things, like many others, has two stages of development: remission and exacerbation. Often, hepatitis C does not progress, that is, it does not lead to liver cirrhosis.

It must be said right away that fatalities, as a rule, are not associated with the manifestation of the virus, but with the consequences of its effect on the body and general disturbances in the work of various organs. It is difficult to indicate a specific period during which pathological changes that are incompatible with life occur in the patient's body.

Various factors affect the rate of progression of hepatitis C:

According to statistics from the World Health Organization, there are more than 500 million people in whose blood a virus or antibodies-pathogens are found. These data will only go up every year. The number of cases of cirrhosis of the liver worldwide has increased by 12 percent over the past decade. The age category is on average 50 years old.

It should be noted that in 30% of cases the progression of the disease is very slow and lasts about 50 years. In some cases, fibrotic changes in the liver are quite insignificant or absent at all, even if the infection lasts for several tens of years, so you can live with hepatitis C for quite a long time. So, for complex treatment patients live 65-70 years.

Important: if appropriate therapy is not carried out, then life expectancy is reduced to an average of 15 years after infection.

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D or delta hepatitis differs from all other forms of viral hepatitis in that its virus cannot multiply in the human body in isolation. To do this, he needs a "helper virus", which becomes the hepatitis B virus.

Therefore, delta-hepatitis can be considered rather not as an independent disease, but as a companion disease complicating the course of hepatitis B. When these two viruses coexist in the patient's body, a severe form of the disease occurs, which doctors call superinfection. The course of this disease resembles the course of hepatitis B, but the complications characteristic of viral hepatitis B are more common and more severe.

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E in its characteristics it is similar to hepatitis A. However, unlike other types of viral hepatitis, with a severe form of hepatitis E, there is a pronounced damage not only to the liver, but also to the kidneys.

Hepatitis E, like hepatitis A, has a fecal-oral mechanism of infection, is common in countries with hot climates and poor water supply to the population, and the prognosis for recovery is favorable in most cases.

Important: the only group of patients for whom infection with hepatitis E can be fatal are women in the last trimester of pregnancy. In such cases, mortality can reach 9-40% of cases, and the fetus dies in almost all cases of pregnant women with hepatitis E.

Prevention of viral hepatitis in this group is similar to the prevention of hepatitis A.

Hepatitis G

Hepatitis G - the last representative of the family of viral hepatitis - in its symptoms and signs resembles viral hepatitis C. However, it is less dangerous, since the progression of the infectious process inherent in hepatitis C with the development of cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer is not typical for hepatitis G. However, the combination of hepatitis C and G can lead to cirrhosis.

Drugs for hepatitis

Which doctor should i contact for hepatitis

Tests for hepatitis

To confirm the diagnosis of hepatitis A, a biochemical blood test is sufficient to determine the concentration of liver enzymes, protein and bilirubin in the plasma. The concentration of all these fractions will be increased due to the destruction of liver cells.

Biochemical blood tests also help determine the activity of the course of hepatitis. It is by biochemical indicators that one can get an impression of how aggressively the virus behaves in relation to liver cells and how its activity changes over time and after treatment.

To determine infection with two other types of virus, blood tests are performed for antigens and antibodies to hepatitis C and B. You can take blood tests for hepatitis quickly, without spending much time, but their results will allow the doctor to obtain detailed information.

By assessing the number and ratio of antigens and antibodies to the hepatitis virus, you can find out about the presence of infection, exacerbation or remission, as well as how the disease responds to treatment.

Based on the data of blood tests in dynamics, the doctor can adjust his prescriptions and make a forecast for the further development of the disease.

Diet for hepatitis

The diet for hepatitis is as gentle as possible, since the liver, which is directly involved in digestion, is damaged. With hepatitis, it is necessary frequent fractional meals.

Of course, a diet alone is not enough for the treatment of hepatitis; drug therapy is also needed, but proper nutrition plays a very important role and has a beneficial effect on the well-being of patients.

Diet reduces pain and improves general condition. During an exacerbation of the disease, the diet becomes more stringent, during periods of remission - freer.

In any case, it is impossible to neglect the diet, because it is the reduction in the load on the liver that makes it possible to slow down and alleviate the course of the disease.

What can you eat with hepatitis

Foods that can be included in the diet with such a diet:

• lean meats and fish;
• low-fat dairy products;
• unpalatable flour products, lingering cookies, yesterday's bread;
• eggs (protein only);
• cereals;
• boiled vegetables.

What not to eat with hepatitis

The following foods should be excluded from your diet:

• fatty meats, duck, goose, liver, smoked meats, sausages, canned food;
• cream, fermented baked milk, salted and fatty cheeses;
• fresh bread, puff and pastry, fried pies;
• fried and hard-boiled eggs;
• pickled vegetables;
• fresh onions, garlic, radishes, sorrel, tomatoes, cauliflower;
• butter, lard, cooking fats;
• strong tea and coffee, chocolate;
• alcoholic and carbonated drinks.

Prevention of hepatitis

Hepatitis A and hepatitis E, transmitted by the fecal-oral route, are quite easy to prevent if you follow basic hygiene rules:

• wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet;
• do not eat unwashed vegetables and fruits;
• do not drink raw water from unknown sources.

For children and adults at risk, there is vaccination against hepatitis A, but it is not included in the calendar of mandatory vaccinations. Vaccination is carried out in the event of an epidemic situation in the prevalence of hepatitis A, before traveling to areas unfavorable for hepatitis. It is recommended to vaccinate against hepatitis A for preschool workers and doctors.

As for hepatitis B, D, C and G, transmitted through the infected blood of a patient, their prevention is somewhat different from the prevention of hepatitis A. First of all, contact with the blood of an infected person must be avoided, and since it is enough to transmit the hepatitis virus minimum amount of blood, then infection can occur with the use of a single razor, nail scissors, etc. All these devices must be individual.

As for the sexual transmission of the virus, it is less likely, but still possible, therefore, sex with unverified partners should take place only using a condom... Intercourse during menstruation, defloration, or other situations in which sexual intercourse is associated with the release of blood increases the risk of contracting hepatitis.

The most effective protection against infection with hepatitis B is currently considered vaccination... In 1997, the hepatitis B vaccine was added to the mandatory vaccination schedule. Three vaccinations against hepatitis B are carried out in the first year of a child's life, and the first vaccination is done in the hospital, a few hours after the birth of the baby.

Vaccinations against hepatitis B are given to adolescents and adults on a voluntary basis, and experts strongly recommend such vaccination to representatives of the risk group.

Recall that the risk group includes the following categories of citizens:

• workers of medical institutions;
• patients who received a blood transfusion;
• drug addicts.

In addition, people who live or travel in areas with a high prevalence of hepatitis B virus, or have family contact with people with hepatitis B or hepatitis B virus carriers.

Unfortunately, vaccines for the prevention of hepatitis C are currently does not exist... Therefore, its prevention boils down to drug addiction prevention, mandatory testing of donor blood, explanatory work among adolescents and young people, etc.

Questions and answers on the topic "Viral hepatitis"

Question: Hello, what is a healthy carrier of hepatitis C?

Answer: A hepatitis C carrier is a person who has a virus in his blood and no painful symptoms are observed. This condition can last for years as long as the immune system controls the disease. Carriers, as a source of infection, must constantly take care of the safety of their loved ones and, if they wish to become parents, carefully approach the issue of family planning.

Question: How do I know if I have hepatitis?

Answer: Get a blood test for hepatitis.

Question: Hello! I am 18 years old, hepatitis B and C is negative, what does this mean?

Answer: The analysis showed the absence of hepatitis B and C.

Question: Hello! My husband has hepatitis B. I recently had my last hepatitis B vaccine. A week ago, my husband's lip cracked, now it does not bleed, but the crack has not healed yet. Kissing is better to cancel until it heals completely?

Answer: Hello! It is better to cancel, and you should hand over anti-hbs, hbcorab total, PCR quality to him.

Question: Hello! I did a trim manicure in the salon, I hurt my skin, now I'm worried, how long does it take to get tested for all infections?

Answer: Hello! Contact an infectious disease specialist to resolve the issue of emergency vaccination. After 14 days, you can take a blood test for RNA and DNA of hepatitis C and B viruses.

Question: Hello, please help: I \u200b\u200bwas recently diagnosed with chronic hepatitis b with low activity (hbsag +; dna PCR +; dna 1.8 * 10 in 3 tbsp. IU / ml; alt and ast are normal, other indicators in biochemical analysis fine; hbeag -; anti-hbeag +). The doctor said that no treatment is required, no diet is needed, however, I have repeatedly come across information on various sites that all chronic hepatitis can be treated, and even there is a small percentage of complete recovery. So maybe it is worth starting treatment? And yet, this is not the first year that I have been using a hormonal drug prescribed by the doctor. This drug has a negative effect on the liver. But it is impossible to cancel it, what to do in this case?

Answer: Hello! Observe regularly, follow a diet, exclude alcohol, possibly the appointment of hepatoprotectors. HTP is not required at the moment.

Question: Hello, I'm 23 years old. Recently I had to take tests for the medical board and this is what was found: the analysis for hepatitis B is abnormal. Do I have a chance to pass a medical examination for a contracted service with such results? I was vaccinated against hepatitis B in 2007. Symptoms have never been observed associated with the liver. I did not suffer from jaundice. Nothing bothered. Last year, for six months, I took SOSRET 20 mg per day (there were problems with the skin of the face), nothing special.

Answer: Hello! Probably transferred viral hepatitis B with recovery. The chance depends on the diagnosis made by the hepatological commission.

Question:Maybe the question is at the wrong address, tell me who to contact. The child is 1 year and 3 months old. We want to vaccinate him against infectious hepatitis. How can this be done and are there any contraindications.

Answer:

Question:What should other family members do if the father has hepatitis C?

Answer:Viral hepatitis C refers to "blood infections" of a person with a parenteral mechanism of infection - during medical manipulations, blood transfusions, during sexual intercourse. Therefore, at the household level in family foci for other family members, there is no danger of infection.

Question:Maybe the question is at the wrong address, tell me who to contact. ebony is 1 year and 3 months old. We want to vaccinate him against infectious hepatitis. How can this be done and are there any contraindications.

Answer:Today it is possible to vaccinate a child (as well as an adult) against viral hepatitis A (infectious), from viral hepatitis B (parenteral or "blood") or a combined vaccination (hepatitis A + hepatitis B). Vaccination against hepatitis A once, against hepatitis B three times at intervals of 1 and 5 months. Contraindications are standard.

Question:I have a son (25 years old) and a daughter-in-law (22 years old) are sick with hepatitis G, they live with me. In addition to the eldest son, I have two more sons, 16 years old. Is hepatitis G contagious to others? Can they have children and how this infection will affect the health of the child.

Answer:Viral hepatitis G is not transmitted by household contact and is not dangerous for your younger sons. A woman infected with hepatitis G can give birth to a healthy child in 70-75% of cases. Since this is generally a rather rare type of hepatitis, and even more so in two spouses at the same time, in order to exclude a laboratory error, I recommend repeating this analysis again, but in another laboratory.

Question:How effective is hepatitis B vaccine? What are the side effects of this vaccine? What should be the vaccination plan if a woman is going to become pregnant in a year? What are the contraindications?

Answer:Vaccination against viral hepatitis B (carried out three times - 0, 1 and 6 months) is highly effective, cannot lead to jaundice by itself and has no side effects. There are practically no contraindications. Women who are planning pregnancy and have not had rubella and chickenpox must, in addition to hepatitis B, also be vaccinated against rubella and chickenpox, but no later than 3 months before pregnancy.

Question:What to do with hepatitis C? To treat or not to treat?

Answer:Viral hepatitis C should be treated if there are three main indicators: 1) the presence of cytolysis syndrome - increased performance Alt in whole blood serum and diluted 1:10; 2) a positive test result for antibodies of the class of immunoglobulins M to the nuclear antigen of the hepatitis C virus (anti-HCVcor-Ig M) and 3) detection of hepatitis C virus RNA in the blood by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Although the final decision should still be made by the attending physician.

Question:An employee has been diagnosed with hepatitis A (jaundice) in our office. What should we do? 1. Whether to disinfect the office? 2. When does it make sense for us to get tested for jaundice? 3. Should we limit contact with families now?

Answer:Disinfection in the office should be done. Tests can be taken immediately (blood for ALT, antibodies to HAV - hepatitis A virus of immunoglobulin M and G classes). It is advisable to limit contacts with children (before the tests or up to 45 days after the detection of the case). After the situation has been clarified, healthy non-immune employees (negative results of testing for IgG antibodies to HAV) should be vaccinated against viral hepatitis A, as well as hepatitis B, in order to prevent similar crises in the future.

Question:How is hepatitis virus transmitted? And how not to get sick.

Answer:Hepatitis A and E viruses are transmitted through food and drink (the so-called fecal-oral route of transmission). Hepatitis B, C, D, G, TTV are transmitted with medical manipulations, injections (for example, among injection drug users using one syringe, one needle and a common "shirka"), blood transfusions, during surgical operations with reusable instruments, as well as sexual contact (the so-called parenteral, blood transfusion and sexual transmission). Knowing the transmission routes of viral hepatitis, a person can control the situation to a certain extent and reduce the risk of the disease. There are vaccines against hepatitis A and B in Ukraine for a long time, vaccinations with which give a 100% guarantee against the occurrence of the disease.

Question:I have hepatitis C, genotype 1B. He was treated with Reaferon + Ursosan - no result. What drugs to take for the prevention of liver cirrhosis.

Answer:In hepatitis C, the most effective combination antiviral therapy: recombinant alpha 2-interferon (3 million per day) + ribavirin (or in combination with other drugs - nucleoside analogues). The treatment process is long, sometimes more than 12 months under the control of ELISA, PCR and indicators of cytolysis syndrome (ALT in whole and diluted 1:10 blood serum), as well as at the final stage - puncture liver biopsy. Therefore, it is advisable to be observed and undergo laboratory examination with one attending physician - it is necessary to understand the definition of "no result" (dosage, duration of the first course, laboratory results in the dynamics of drug use, etc.).

Question:Hepatitis C! Child 9 years old - all 9 years old fever. How to treat? What's new in this area? Will they find the right treatment soon? Thank you in advance.

Answer:Temperature is not the main symptom of chronic hepatitis C. Therefore: 1) it is necessary to exclude other causes of fever; 2) to determine the activity of viral hepatitis C according to three main criteria: a) ALT activity in whole and 1:10 diluted blood serum; b) serological profile - Ig G antibodies to HCV proteins of NS4, NS5 and Ig M classes to HCV nuclear antigen; 3) test the presence or absence of HCV RNA in the blood by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, and also determine the genotype of the detected virus. Only after that it will be possible to talk about the need to treat hepatitis C. In this area, today there are quite progressive drugs.

Question:Is it possible to breastfeed a baby if the mother has hepatitis C?

Answer:It is necessary to test the mother's milk and blood for RNA of the hepatitis C virus. If the result is negative, you can breastfeed the baby.

Question:My brother is 20 years old. In 1999 hepatitis B was discovered. Now he was diagnosed with hepatitis C. I have a question. Does one virus pass into another? Can it be cured? Is it possible to have sex and have children? He also has 2 lymph nodes on the back of his head, can he be tested for HIV? I did not take drugs. Please, answer me. Thanks. Tanya

Answer:You know, Tanya, with a high degree of probability, infection with two viruses (HBV and HCV) occurs precisely during injecting drug use. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to clarify this situation with my brother and, if necessary, recover from drug addiction. Drugs are a cofactor that accelerates the adverse course of hepatitis. It is advisable to be tested for HIV. One virus does not pass into another. Chronic viral hepatitis B and C are now treated and sometimes quite successfully. Sex life - with a condom. You can have children after treatment.

Question: How is hepatitis A virus transmitted?

Answer: The hepatitis A virus is transmitted from person to person by the fecal-oral route. This means that a person with hepatitis A sheds viruses in their faeces, which, if not hygienic enough, can get into food or water and infect another person. Hepatitis A is often referred to as "dirty hands disease."

Question: What are the symptoms of viral hepatitis A?

Answer: Often, viral hepatitis A is asymptomatic, or under the guise of another disease (for example, gastroenteritis, flu, colds), but, as a rule, some of the following symptoms may indicate the presence of hepatitis: weakness, increased fatigue, drowsiness, tearfulness and irritability in children; decreased or lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, bitter belching; discolored feces; temperature rise to 39 ° C, chills, sweating; pain, feeling of heaviness, discomfort in the right hypochondrium; darkening of urine - occurs a few days after the first signs of hepatitis appear; jaundice (the appearance of a yellow color of the sclera of the eyes, body skin, mucous membrane of the mouth), as a rule, appears a week after the onset of the disease, bringing some relief to the patient's condition. Often, signs of jaundice with hepatitis A are completely absent.

The life of the hepatitis C virus in the external environment is long, it dies only when boiled. He reacts to external factors earlier than other pathogens of hepatitis. Understanding the circumstances under which the hepatitis C virus is dangerous is essential to reduce the risk of infection. This is especially true for families with a sick person.

Life span of the virus in the external environment

The causative agents of hepatitis are highly resistant in the external environment and can survive for a long time. There are many myths about their endurance, most of which have been disproved during research.

Scientists were able to establish that the activity of the hepatitis C virus has little effect on temperature rise. Its decrease even to minus indicators does not at all affect the vital activity of the pathogen. However, it is not possible to contract the disease through the respiratory tract.

Of all the known subtypes, hepatitis C virus in clinical trials was the least resistant to external factors... When in temperature conditions of about 25 degrees, it is able to live for 4 days outside the host's body. High temperature reduces the activity of this pathogen. Ultraviolet light kills him in 30 minutes.

With a decrease in the indicator to 4 degrees, the virus is able to survive for 6 months. Freezing even down to -70 degrees does not kill the pathogen either; its activity at negative temperatures is observed in samples throughout the year.

The highest life expectancy was recorded for viral particles contained in blood plasma. If it is frozen, the pathogen will not die, and it will pose a danger for several years. Frozen plasma is always checked for the presence of a virus when six months have passed since the moment of freezing, because during this time it is able to activate. For this reason, patients with hepatitis cannot donate blood and organs.

Given the survival of the virus, there is a threat of infection when it comes into contact with objects on which the biomaterial of an infected person is found.

What affects the life of the hepatitis C virus

The infection dies rather quickly when exposed to certain factors. The survival of the hepatitis C agent under various conditions was investigated in chimpanzee blood. The infected blood was first dried, after which it was divided into 3 parts, which were stored in different conditions... One of the parts was frozen down to -70 degrees. Under these conditions, the virus remained active. After injecting this sample into a healthy chimpanzee, the animal was diagnosed with hepatitis C.

The second part was stored at room temperature 25 degrees for 3 days. During this period, the virus remained in the blood. The third part was kept in similar conditions, but the study of the samples began 7 days after the start of the experiment. The pathogen was not found in this biomaterial. When these samples were injected into the chimpanzee's blood, the animal remained healthy, which confirmed the assumptions about the dead pathogen.

The experiment confirmed the following facts:

• Freezing is ineffective against the specified pathogen. In this state, he becomes highly active.
• The virus dies only in room conditions after 4 days.
• The higher the ambient temperature, the less active the pathogen becomes.
• Hepatitis C is resistant to most disinfectants.

When exposed to an infected material with chlorine compounds, the pathogen dies almost instantly. It must be kept in alcohol for several minutes, and the effectiveness of the solution of iodine and brilliant green is questioned by researchers, since there is no evidence of the destruction of the virus by these drugs.

The boiling temperature affects the virus if it acts on it for at least 2 minutes. If this time is shortened, the pathogen will not die. Ultraviolet radiation has practically no effect on the hepatitis C agent. UV treatment is effective only when exposed for 30 minutes.

The causative agent of hepatitis C is difficult to grow in laboratory conditions, therefore the information known about it cannot be considered exhaustive. Scientists do not exclude that in conditions of different humidity and high viral load biomaterial that has entered the environment, the survival rate of the infection may be different.

At what temperature can the virus die

The causative agents of hepatitis are extremely hardy and often require temperatures in excess of 100 degrees to kill them. The virus showed the least resistance to higher degrees. Many studies have been carried out regarding the survival of the pathogen under various temperature conditions. During the experiments, the following data were obtained:

• When the temperature rises to 60 degrees, the virus can hold out for 30 minutes.
• The infection dies when boiling, but even in such conditions it is able to hold out for 2 minutes.
• Most quick way get rid of the virus - steam treatment, which is used when sterilizing instruments.

Thus, the researchers concluded that only temperatures above 100 degrees are effective against the hepatitis C virus. In other conditions, he is able to live for several hours. To completely destroy the infectious agent, it is advisable to use an autoclave. Processing should be carried out for several minutes.

What to do if you come into contact with an infected object

If the biological fluid of an infected with hepatitis gets on interior items, they should be carefully processed. All manipulations are carried out with rubber gloves. It is recommended to clean carpets with a solution of baking soda and steam, since at this temperature the virus dies very quickly.

Disinfection of surfaces when the biomaterial of a patient with hepatitis gets on it can be carried out with the following substances:

• soda solution;
• chloramine;
• formalin;
• potassium permanganate;
• bleach.

The hepatitis C virus dies when exposed to alcohol, but even in such circumstances it can withstand 2 minutes. Doctors emphasize that treatment with alcohol solutions is not enough to disinfect the instrument and objects, since its vapors quickly evaporate. Acids and fat-soluble agents (freon, chloroform, ether) do not destroy the pathogen. Treatment with hydrogen peroxide is effective only at high drug concentrations, which should not be used on the skin.

Clothes and underwear with blood infected with hepatitis should be washed at 60 degrees. If a person is sick with hepatitis C, it is enough to withstand half an hour. Light-colored things are soaked for 30 minutes in chlorine-containing preparations. The virus dies when boiled in a soda solution. It requires 20 g per 1 liter of water.

If the biological material of a patient with hepatitis C gets on the clothes or objects, they are covered with bleach, after which they are kept for 1 hour for the pathogen to die.

If an injury occurs upon contact with an infected object, the damaged area is washed several times with soapy water to prevent the spread of infection. It is not necessary to stop bleeding. The effectiveness of iodine and other alcoholic tinctures against the hepatitis C agent has not been confirmed by clinical trials. It is recommended to treat the mucous membranes with a 0.9% NaCl or soda solution, rinse the mouth with Miramistin.

Conclusion

For the hepatitis C virus, the best conditions for life outside the human body create negative temperatures. The growth of this indicator affects the pathogen adversely. You can get rid of infection by boiling and autoclaving, as well as after treatment with chlorine compounds. Knowledge of the survival rate of the virus helps prevent infection.