Essays on Hepatisis Coursework

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Hepatitis B and C Hepatitis B and C Hepatitis B and C are some of the common and potentially fatal hepatitis category diseases. There are certain similarities governing both of these diseases. Transmission of the hepatitis C virus occurs through blood-to-blood contact. In certain situations, contact of body fluids such as seamen during sex with an infected person may lead to the transmission of hepatitis C virus. The sharing of piercing equipment is a leading avenue for the transmission of the virus. On the other hand, transmission of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) occurs through body fluids such as seamen, virginal secretions, and blood.

Common symptoms of hepatitis B include anorexia, fatigue, low-grade fever, vomiting, nausea, disturbances in sleep pattern, gastrointestinal bleeding, and mental confusion. The clinical presentation of hepatitis B is through the presence of the following jaundice, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, Palmar erythema, spider nevi, muscle wasting, spider angiomas, myocarditis, pericarditis, and diffuse intravascular coagulation (Shih, 2011). On the other hand, hepatitis C may prove to be asymptomatic. However, some patients present symptoms such as decompensated liver disease symptoms, paresthesias, myalgias, sicca syndrome, arthralgias, and jaundice.

Currently, vaccination for hepatitis B has been developed and infants who are at the risk of contracting the virus through mother to child should receive the vaccine. In addition, other individuals at a higher risk of being infected should seek the vaccine. Acute hepatitis B requires first-line oral therapy (p. 43). Nursing care should ensure that there is proper monitoring of the patient through blood tests in order to prevent the occurrence of a chronic case. Nursing care of patients with chronic hepatitis presenting liver damage should ensure a dietary restriction that involves low sodium and high protein diets.

Treatment of acute hepatitis seeks to prevent the progression of the disease and minimize the chances of transmission. On the other hand, hepatitis C does not have any vaccine now. However, patients with acute hepatitis C can receive standard therapy of six months, which proves to be highly effective. Treatment of comprises of a combination of antiviral drugs as well as HCV protease and polymerase inhibitors. Serious cases of hepatitis C may require a liver transplant.

Both hepatitis B and C can trigger serious liver damages (p. 87). Since different viruses cause the two diseases, the types of treatments vary according to the genotype of the virus. ReferenceShih, C. (2011). Chronic hepatitis B and C: Basic science to clinical applications. Singapore: World Scientific.

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