Is hepatitis E transmitted through saliva?

The article is consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Nhat - Infectious Diseases - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Hepatitis E is characterized by an incubation period lasting from 15 to 60 days after exposure to the virus, self-resolving within 4-6 weeks, the symptoms of the disease are also very mild and temporary. Compared with hepatitis A, B, and C, the symptoms of this disease are milder and the consequences are less severe. However, the disease can progress to malignancy and is very serious, especially for pregnant women. Some of the symptoms of the disease are noticed such as:
The patient has a mild fever, fatigue, body aches... This sign is like a common cold, so the patient may be confused. and skip.
Jaundice, yellow eyes: General signs of liver diseases that are easy to see with the naked eye. In the yellowing phase of the skin and eyes, the hepatitis E virus is found in the stool of the patient. This is also the time when the virus can spread to others through the aquatic environment.
Urine becomes dark with stools that are pale like clay.
Dull abdominal pain, liver size is larger than usual, so when pressing on the abdomen, there is a feeling of pain.
In addition, the patient also has additional symptoms such as: loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting...
However, these symptoms usually last from 1 to 6 weeks, most patients do not need treatment. After treatment, the disease will gradually decrease and disappear. But there are some rare cases, if the liver is severely damaged, it can affect the health and life of the patient.
Therefore, if the patient has the above symptoms, the patient should immediately go to medical facilities for early examination and treatment, to avoid prolonged illness, which will lead to chronic hepatitis E.

The route of transmission of hepatitis E is mainly through the gastrointestinal tract (fecal-oral route), by humans ingesting foods and drinking water contaminated with this virus. Some other ways of transmission of the virus are: transmission through infected blood or from mother to child during pregnancy. However, this is a very rare case and hardly ever encountered.
Usually hepatitis E is associated with large outbreaks, which occur every 5 to 10 years and may be associated with flooding. This situation causes the water source to be polluted, and the food from which it is also contaminated. In the process of food processing, people are not hygienic, so the hepatitis E virus attacks the body and causes this disease.
See more: Is hepatitis E transmitted through blood?

Hepatitis E is a usually self-limiting disease that does not require treatment, symptoms will gradually disappear and stabilize after 2-6 weeks, so people infected with hepatitis E may not need to be hospitalized for treatment. However, if the patient has fulminant hepatitis and is a pregnant woman, hospitalization for treatment and monitoring is necessary.
Treatment of hepatitis E is mainly rest and symptomatic treatment. However, the patient can refer to some supportive measures as follows:
3.1 Home care In most cases, hepatitis E does not require medical treatment. The body can clear the infection on its own without outside help. However, to support the body to recover quickly, patients can refer to some tips such as:
Build a varied, balanced diet, eat cooked and drink boiling. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Take plenty of time to rest. Avoid substances that can irritate the liver such as alcohol and beer. In some cases, if you are taking medication for a disease, your doctor may change the medicine or change the dose to avoid affecting the liver.
See also: Is there a vaccine for hepatitis E virus?

3.2 Medicines to treat hepatitis E In some cases, doctors may sometimes prescribe medicines to treat hepatitis E. This is more common in people with serious infections or special populations such as women. pregnant.
The most common drug to treat the disease is Ribavirin, taken continuously for 21 days. The drug is thought to improve liver function and help fight liver damage. In addition, the doctor may prescribe many supplements and vitamins to strengthen the body's resistance.
In some particularly severe cases, the doctor may require the patient to be hospitalized for observation.

To date, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis E. Therefore, the issue of city sanitation, especially the ability to provide a source of clean drinking water, as well as improving the bridges and the agricultural system (without using manure in cultivation) is one of the methods to improve the quality of life. most effective for prevention and control of disease.
In addition, to prevent infection with the virus, the sick person can refer to some measures such as:
Do not drink or eat any food or drink that you do not know is clean or not. Do not eat undercooked, undercooked food, especially venison, pork or shellfish. Wash your hands with soap before and after using the bathroom, eating, or coming into contact with an unfamiliar environment.

Hepatitis E is usually not very dangerous and is easily controlled. Symptoms can be eliminated after 4-6 weeks of infection. Although rare, this condition can be fatal (about 1%). Therefore, if you suspect or notice symptoms of infection, go to the hospital for proper diagnosis and treatment.