Sometimes a disease name is too broad to really give you the health information you need. Liver and pancreas problems (hepatitis) are the perfect example. You see, there are now five known types of hepatitis. Each one means something different to a person’s health and associated risks. Although all of the types are a similar virus, the various are very different.
Hepatitis A (HVA) is actually very common. Because it can be spread through contaminated water or food, it’s not hard to catch.You could be exposed to the virus nearly anywhere in the world. However, areas where pure water is hard to find are more likely to expose you to the disease. In a similar vein, places where careful food preparation is either difficult or simply not a cultural value also have an increased incidence of HVA. Symptoms may not be obvious for up to a month after infection. It may cause the liver to become inflamed.
Most people recover after a few months without medical intervention. After this they are immune to additional infections. However, if you’re traveling to a high-risk area such as Africa, The Middle East or South-East Asia (per CDC) a vaccine is recommended. The vaccine can prevent the infection. Serious illness is rare but does require medical attention.
Hepatitis B (HVB): This virus is rare in most developed countries. The biggest risk is protecting children from infection. An overwhelming percentage of children who contract the disease will go on to have chronic problems for life. This is reported to be a huge problem in China. As the disease can be passed from mother to child during the birth process, it is a real challenge to address. Adults who become infected get better in 6 months or less. The few who do not must be treated as it has become and could remain chronic. Although the virus can live outside the body for seven days it is not spread through casual contact. To transmit the virus contact must be personal or intimate. HVB moves through bodily fluids.
Hepatitis C (HVC): Just like the B form of the virus, Hepatitis C must be contracted through exposure to blood or sexual activity. In the recent past many nurses became infected due to surgical procedures and other medical exposures. The disease is chronic and often goes undetected until the amount of virus in the system builds to a level making the patient feel like a bad case of the flu. Someone with HVC must receive treatment and be monitored long-term. Left unattended, it can result in cirrhosis of the liver.
Hepatitis D (HVD): In this case, HVD is a secondary infection. It is very rare as a primary illness. The HVD virus cannot work in the body of someone who has not had the B form of hepatitis. Exposure happens through some form of intimate contact. Infection is most common in the geographic areas of Russia, Romania and Southern Italy. The biggest concern is that it can lead to cancer.
Hepatitis E (HVE): For the most recently discovered form of Hepatitis exposure is fairly easy to limit and people recover fairly quickly if it contracted. This version of the virus comes from water contaminated by solid waste. Just another reason clean water and sanitation are important. Those with the disease recover and don’t need medical attention.
With all the variations it’s good to know if you are likely to have been exposed to specific varieties of Hepatitis. In a few cases there is serious concern for liver problems which can definitely create issues in the pancreas. However, for most people it is possible to limit your exposure. Each of these can be identified by testing so be sure you have your doctor complete any that are needed so you’re sure. Cordyceps has been used for decades as a conjunction treatment of hepatitis and other liver diseases. Clinical data shows that administration of Cordyceps significantly improves liver functions. There are many other Cordyceps benefits that can bring a real help to your health.