Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis can be both acute (severe and sudden) and chronic (long-developing). However it presents we can help alleviate your symptoms and offer relief.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to the swelling of the liver. There are three types of hepatitis most common in the United States: hepatitis a, hepatitis b and hepatitis c. When your liver becomes infected with one of the hepatitis viruses, it can cause inflammation in your liver, damaging and affecting how your liver functions.
Hepatitis Symptoms
Hepatitis A, B, and C tend to exhibit similar symptoms:
Fever
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Joint pain
Jaundice
However, a lack of these symptoms won’t necessarily mean that one isn’t affected; in all cases, the virus can still be spread even if no symptoms are present.
What are the types of hepatitis?
Hepatitis A
Transmitted by: consumption of contaminated food or water that has come into contact with infected feces
Average time for symptoms to appear: two to size weeks after exposure, typically lasting around two months
Prevention tactics: vaccination, frequent hand washing
Treatment: hepatitis a tends to resolve on its own, the CDC does not report any special treatments
Hepatitis B
Transmitted by: bodily fluis through shared contaminated syringes, sexual intercourse with an infected person or from mother to baby
Average time for symptoms to appear: three months from exposure but can range anywhere from six weeks to six months
Prevention tactics: vaccination, cleaning up blood spills with gloves and one part household bleach to 10 parts water per CDC guidelines
Treatment: rest along with adequate nutrition and fluids are recommended
Hepatitis C
Transmitted by: blood from shared infected needles or contaminated drug-injection equipment
Average time for symptoms to appear: six to seven weeks after exposure but can appear up to six months after exposure
Prevention tactics: cleaning up blood spills with gloves and one part household bleach to 10 parts water per CDC guidelines
Treatment: an acute infection of hepatitis c can clear itself about 25% of the time, but there are also a number of FDA-approved treatments for both acute and chronic hepatitis c
Does WellNow Urgent Care offer hepatitis testing?
Yes, if you present with a bloodborne pathogen exposure (e.g., needlestick, human bite, etc.) and/or risk of infection. A medical provider will discuss your options with you.
Does WellNow Urgent Care offer hepatitis treatment?
Not at this time. If you test positive for a type of hepatitis that requires treatment, a WellNow medical provider will refer you to a specialist.
When should you visit urgent care for hepatitis testing?
If you think you are at risk for hepatitis, WellNow Urgent Care can help. Check in online or walk in to a WellNow location nearest you for testing and treatment.
This medical information has been reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Robert Biernbaum, Chief Medical Officer for WellNow Urgent Care.
Illnesses We Treat
WellNow Urgent Care treats a variety of illnesses, infections and diseases along with their
associated symptoms. If you are feeling uncomfortable or unwell, our dedicated medical
team is prepared to deliver a personalized and tailored treatment plan to help you get
better, faster.
This list contains our most commonly treated illnesses and symptoms. If you are
experiencing an illness not listed or are unsure of the source of your discomfort, visit a
WellNow location near you or start a virtual care session.