Is hepatitis with jaundice contagious?
If jaundice-type hepatitis is caused by viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis A, hepatitis C, or hepatitis D, it may be contagious. Transmission can occur through sharing needles with an infected individual, sexual contact, mother-to-child transmission, or consuming contaminated food and water.
Doctor's answer (1)
In general, jaundice hepatitis is contagious.
Jaundice-type hepatitis typically refers to a clinical manifestation of hepatitis caused by hepatitis viruses. Its main feature is elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, resulting in yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. This type of hepatitis is infectious and mainly spreads through the following routes:
1. Blood or other bodily fluids: The virus may spread through blood or bodily fluids during blood transfusions, sharing needles, surgical procedures, childbirth, and similar situations.
2. Sexual transmission: Unprotected sexual contact may lead to virus transmission.
3. Mother-to-child transmission: Pregnant women may transmit the virus to their newborns during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
However, if jaundice-type hepatitis is caused by autoimmune hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, or excessive alcohol consumption, it is not contagious. Additionally, although jaundice is a common symptom of hepatitis, not all hepatitis cases present with jaundice. If infection is suspected, prompt medical attention is necessary, and patients should follow medical advice for treatment and isolation to prevent further disease transmission.
