Also known as hepatitis delta, hepatitis D is a contagious viral disease and needs the hepatitis B virus for infection because the hepatitis D virus is incomplete and needs the HBsAg surface antigens found on the hepatitis B virus to replicate. The forms of contamination of this disease are the same as in Hepatitis B.
- Sexual intercourse without a condom;
- Common use of personal objects, such as toothbrush, shaving or shaving device, nail pliers, syringes;
- Blood transfusion;
- Transmission from mother to child;
- Breastfeeding.
Symptoms of hepatitis D are nausea, dizziness, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), dark urine, and light-colored stools.
When a person is infected by viruses B and D at the same time, the manifestation of the disease is like that of acute hepatitis B. Alcoholic beverages must be suspended for 1 year, and there is no specific treatment, just rest, light nutrition and medication to combat the symptoms of the disease.
Sometimes the person already has the hepatitis B virus in their body and after a while they acquire hepatitis D. In these cases, the disease becomes severe and the infected person may have severe liver damage and may suffer cirrhosis. The infected person should seek a specialized doctor who will prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Prevention of hepatitis D occurs in the same way as prevention of hepatitis B.
- Sexual intercourse with a condom;
- Control of blood banks;
- Vaccination;
- Use of immunoglobulin;
- Do not share personal items such as a toothbrush, epilator or razor, nail pliers, syringes.
We can't forget that self-medication can cause serious health risks and harm.
Paula Louredo
Graduated in Biology