• Fatigue

• Pale stool

• Unexplained weight loss

• Flu-like symptoms

• Abdominal pain

• Yellow skin & eyes that may indicate jaundice

• Dark urine

• Loss of appetite

PREVENTION

• The virus may spread more rapidly in areas like hospitals, day-care centres, the sewage industry and places where people are in close contact with one another. Wash your hands thoroughly. Frequent hand-washing is the best way to prevent many infections.

• Always wash your hands properly after using the toilet and when you come in contact with an infected person’s blood, stools, or other body fluid, Carry hand sanitizers if soap and water aren’t readily available.

• Wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating and keep them separate from ready-to-eat food; Keep raw meat, poultry, and fish away from other foods to prevent cross-contamination,

• Hepatitis A is usually spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated with feces. Avoid unfiltered water and roadside food. If bottled water isn’t available, boil tap water before drinking it.

• The hepatitis B & C virus can only be transmitted through infected blood (and, in the case of 8, other body fluids). Never share needles, razors or nail cutters.

• In a hospital, the hepatitis B virus can spread by an accidental needle injury. Wearing gloves, eye protection, a face mask, and washing hands can minimize the risk.

• Be cautious about body piercing and tattooing. Use sterile needles.

• Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease. Ensure there is no stagnant water in and around the house, especially open drains, shallow pools, air cooler water, and flower pots.

• Good hygiene is an important factor for avoiding hepatitis, If travelling to a developing country, always ovoid drinking impure water, consuming ice, seafood, and raw fruits and vegetables.

• VACCINES

Effective vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from hepatitis. Vaccinations are available against hepatitis A and B. Scientific research is on to develop vaccines against hepatitis C, D, and F.