How jaundice is transmitted: what precautions should be taken not to infect and not become infected

Jaundice in medicine is called a variety of conditions, which are manifested by the coloration of the skin in yellow. Doctors distinguish three basic forms of jaundice:

1) Obturation (it is mechanical or subhepatic): the skin turns yellow due to the fact that bile can not get on its direct purpose - from the liver to the duodenum. It interferes with swelling, stone or adhesions, which block some of the bile ducts. As a result, bilirubin bile is absorbed into the blood and causes skin coloring in a warm yellow color.

2) Hemolytic jaundice (superhepatic). Occurs with increased disintegration of red blood cells. Hemoglobin erythrocytes - the precursor of bilirubin. A lot of free hemoglobin leads to an increase in the level of bilirubin, from which the skin turns yellow. As a result, a person acquires a lemon-yellow hue.

In the case of these two kinds of jaundice, the question of how jaundice is transmitted does not make sense. If a patient has a blood disease, stones in the gallbladder or hereditary elevated hemolysis of erythrocytes - this is absolutely not contagious. Another thing is if jaundice is hepatitis.

3) Hepatic jaundice. This is hepatitis, that is, "inflammation of the liver tissue." This inflammation is not always caused by viruses: alcohol, some medicines, severe illnesses, the use of poisons, too, can quite cause it. And then it will not be contagious.

To know how jaundice is transmitted, it is necessary only with regard to viral hepatitis, which is quite a lot at the moment, and the way of transmission of infection is different.

How can I get infected or get infected with hepatitis?

1. Hepatitis A. This is the easiest variant of hepatitis, which was formerly called Botkin's disease. How is jaundice transmitted in this case? Through unboiled water, using shared dishes with a sick person. In order not to fall ill with hepatitis A, it is enough to boil water, do not drink from wells or natural water bodies, do not swallow water while bathing. When dealing with a sick person you need to wash your hands, do not use common utensils, hygiene products.

2. Hepatitis E. Is this jaundice as transmitted? Like hepatitis A, by getting into the food pathway of the virus with unwashed hands, water, from common utensils. This hepatitis is especially dangerous for pregnant women.

3. Hepatitis B, C and D. Transmitted through the blood and other body fluids that fall on the damaged skin, mucous or directly into the blood of another person. Hepatitis B is easier to get infected than AIDS, as the size of the virus is much smaller and it is easier for him to go through the smallest, inconspicuous wounds on the body. How is jaundice transmitted in these cases specifically?

A) Through kisses (with saliva).

B) During sexual intercourse (not necessarily entering the vagina or completeness of the sexual act: it is enough that the vaginal secretion or fluid of the glands of the penis gets on the skin or mucosa of the second partner, on which there are microcracks).

C) When using shared syringes.

D) When using manicure, pedicure, piercing accessories, in the home - common razors, combs, manicure accessories.

E) The child may be transmitted to the child during pregnancy or childbirth.

F) For non-sterile medical instruments.

G) In providing assistance to a person without gloves, when it is necessary to contact his saliva or blood.

H) With blood transfusion.

Be healthy!