There are 5 different hepatitis diseases, hepatitis A virus (HAV), HBV, HCV, HDV, and finally HEV. All the hepatitis viruses have some similarities in common. In the acute phase of the disease there is evident liver failure manifestations, which are noted through high liver enzymes. Three stages of progression are common to the virus and each comes with specific characteristics. One must note that HCV leading mode of transmission is by using needles for IV drug use.
1. Prodromal (preicteric) phase. Usual signs are jaundice, fatigue, loss of appetite, malaise, nausea, vomiting, headaches cough, a low grade fever. This stage is highly contagious and usually starts about the second week after being infected. (Huether & McCance, 2017, p. 935). This stage lasts about 2 weeks.
2. Icteric phase. Follows the prodromal phase and it starts on the 4th week after exposure. This phase is evident for about 2 to 6 weeks. Signs are as follows: jaundice, dark urine, Stools are tan (clay) colored, liver is enlarged, palpable and tender/painful, fatigue continues along with different severity of abdominal pain. (Huether & McCance, 2017, p. 935). One has reached the lunged into the actual disease.
3. Recovery phase. When jaundice starts to dissipate, …show more content…
Medications is given and some are more effective depending on the genotype. A combination of Simeprevir (NS3/4 protease inhibitor) along with sofosbuvir (a nucleotide analogue, NS5B polymerase inhibitor), along with peginterferon and ribavirin rendered an SVR of 80% to 90% after 12 to 36 week of treatment. (Jack, 2015, p. 411). These medications were given in UK and a 12-week treatment was 22398 pound in sterling that is equivalent to 29,563.12 USD. Other medications for other genotypes are just as expensive. Treatment has changed and will continue to change as new discoveries are made for all genotypes of