What Are the Differences Between Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B?

The inflammatory condition of the liver occurring primarily due to viral infection is known as Hepatitis. However, there can be other causes of Hepatitis. Sometimes, Hepatitis can occur due to drugs, alcohol, toxins and side effects of medications. Autoimmune Hepatitis is another type of this disease that occurs when your body produces antibodies against your own liver tissues.

Primarily, there are five viral classifications of Hepatitis - A, B, C, D, and E, where each type is caused by a different virus.

Now that you know about Hepatitis, let’s proceed to find out the differences between Hepatitis A and B.

The section of the population who are at risk of Hepatitis A are listed below -

• Those who have close contact with someone affected by Hepatitis A
• Those who have travelled to countries where the disease is common
• Homeless people
• Men who have sex with men
• Children in child care and their teachers
• Those who work with primates
• People who use recreational drugs, even those who do not use needles.
• Those with Haemophilia

On the other hand, individuals who are at risk of Hepatitis B are -

• Children adopted from countries with a high rate of Hep B virus
• Children born from mothers infected with Hep B
• People who have unprotected sex or have some sexually transmitted disease
• Individuals who share syringes or needles 
• People on dialysis
• Individuals who live in close quarters with those who have Hepatitis B
• Healthcare workers and first responders

Now, let’s move on to the vaccination part.

Thankfully, both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B can be prevented via vaccines. The Hepatitis A vaccine is about 95% effective in adults, lasting around 20 years and approximately 85% effective in children, staying around 15-20 years. Moreover, experts recommend that the following persons should get vaccinated against HAV:

• Those who are going to travel to a country where the disease is common
• Infants who will be travelling internationally
• Children at age 1
• Men who have sex with men
• Families that are adopting children from countries where the disease is common.
• Homeless people
• Those who use recreational drugs
• Individuals who are suffering from long-term liver disease
• Those who have direct contact with people with the virus.
• Anyone who wants to be protected from the disease. 

On the contrary, the Hepatitis B vaccine is 98-100% effective in guarding against the disease. Additionally, it lasts for up to 20 years. The following individuals should get vaccinated against the HBV:

• Persons who are under 18 and not vaccinated at birth
• New-borns
• Individuals with chronic liver, kidney diseases or HIV/AIDS
• People who are travelling to the areas with high rates of Hep B infections
• Men who have sex with men
• Adults with diabetes
• People who inject drugs
• Sexual partners of infected persons
• Healthcare workers who are exposed to blood and other body fluids

Now, let’s learn about the other preventive measures to be followed for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B besides vaccination.

You can prevent Hepatitis A by keeping the following pointers in mind:

• Maintain proper hygiene
• Avoid drinking tap water or raw food

In contrast, Hepatitis B can be prevented by following these:

• Use protection while having sex
• Wear gloves after you clean up after others
• Don’t share toothbrushes, razors, and pierced earrings with anyone

Knowing the differences between Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B is necessary to identify the symptoms and proceed with the treatment accordingly. Both the diseases are preventable and curable. However, there is a chance that the conditions can become very severe, resulting in death.