Doctor explains differences between types of hepatitis

Dr. Jarod Fox joins Breakfast with Bridgett on News 6+

ORLANDO, Fla. – Each morning on “Breakfast with Bridgett” on News 6 Plus, we have interesting stories and interviews, plus weather and traffic to help you plan the day.

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month and Bridgett talked to Dr. Jarod Fox from Orlando Health Infectious Diseases on Friday.

He explained the major differences between hepatitis A, B and C, as well as prevention, vaccination and treatment options.

“We recommend all adults get tested at least once for B and C. They may not realize they have it, a large majority of those infected may not know and may not have any symptoms that would suggest they were infected,” Dr. Fox explained. “Usually a few weeks after exposure, they may have mild fevers, chills. The acutely ill may develop jaundice of skin and eyes, abdominal pain, but the vast majority may think it was some sort of other viral infection.”

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“Hepatitis B and C, there’s a chronic phase of illness, especially hep C. A lot will develop chronic liver disease if they don’t get treated. That’s why we want people to get tested and get treatments because treatment’s effective in preventing you going on to developing cirrhosis and cancer,” Dr. Fox said. “In the acute phase, there’s a percentage of patients that will develop rapid onset of liver failure and require a transplant. Those that develop cirrhosis with B or C a lot of times will eventually require a transplant.”

Find out more at the links below and watch the entire interview at the top of this story.

Hepatitis general information — Florida Department of Health

Viral hepatitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


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