What is Hepatitis B and C? How is it treated?

Hepatitis B and C are diseases caused by viral infections of the liver. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be transmitted through the blood and body fluids of infected people or through sexual contact. These viruses can usually stay in the body for a long time without showing symptoms. However, some people may not realize they are infected, while others may experience symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice.

Hepatitis B and C viruses can cause long-term damage to the liver. In chronic cases, serious complications such as cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer can occur. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are important.

Commonly used treatments for hepatitis B and C include antiviral drugs. It is also possible to prevent hepatitis B through vaccination. Healthcare providers should test, vaccinate and provide necessary treatment to individuals at risk. It is also important to reduce the risk of infection by taking preventive measures, which includes avoiding contact with infected blood and body fluids.

Hepatitis B and C can both cause serious health problems, but their modes of action and treatment differ. Here are the main differences between hepatitis B and C:

• Virus Type: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) belong to different virus families. HBV comes from the Hepadnaviridae family, while HCV belongs to the Flaviviridae family.
• Ways of Spread: Both viruses are transmitted through blood and body fluids. However, hepatitis B can be passed from mother to baby through sexual contact, shared syringes or during childbirth, while hepatitis C is usually transmitted through blood contact. HBV is more likely to be transmitted through contact.
• Acute and Chronic Conditions: Hepatitis B usually starts as an acute infection and is cleared by the body most of the time. However, in some cases it can become chronic. Hepatitis C, on the other hand, usually progresses quietly and is more likely to become chronic. It can cause serious damage to the liver, often before symptoms are recognized.
• Vaccine and Treatment: An effective vaccine against hepatitis B is available and is usually administered in infancy. There is not yet a vaccine for hepatitis C. The drugs used in treatment vary. HBV is usually treated with antiviral drugs, while HCV is usually treated with direct antiviral drugs or interferon-based drugs.
• Immunity Status: People with HBV infection usually develop a lasting immunity, whereas the immune system of people with HCV infection may have difficulty clearing the virus completely.

There are several ways to treat these viruses. Antiviral drugs are used to treat hepatitis B. These drugs prevent the virus from multiplying and protect the liver. However, in some cases, hepatitis B can become chronic and require lifelong treatment. In the treatment of hepatitis C, direct-acting antiviral drugs are used.

These drugs help to destroy the virus and prevent liver damage. The course of treatment can vary depending on the type of virus, duration of infection and liver damage. Starting treatment early is an important factor in preventing long-term complications.

In addition, vaccines to prevent the spread of hepatitis B and C are available and recommended for people at risk. Therefore, early diagnosis, treatment and prevention measures are of great importance in the fight against these viruses.

A number of measures can be taken to prevent the spread of these viruses. First, vaccinations are of great importance. There is an effective vaccine for hepatitis B, which significantly reduces the risk of transmission of the virus. It is recommended that unvaccinated people get vaccinated. It is also important to pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene measures to prevent the spread of hepatitis B and C. Avoid using items where there is a risk of contact with infected blood or body fluids, such as shared syringes or personal hygiene products.

Unprotected sex is a major risk factor for the spread of hepatitis B and C, so it is important to use contraception during sexual contact. In addition, risky behaviours such as intravenous drug use should be avoided and sterilization should be ensured in medical procedures such as blood donation. These measures play an effective role in preventing the spread of hepatitis B and C and are important to protect public health.