Viral hepatitis: sports-related risk.

Each year, viral hepatitis causes substantial morbidity and mortality in the general population. Most athletes who contract viral hepatitis become exposed away from the playing field. However, close contact with team members and the sharing of food and drink may increase the likelihood of spreading enteric forms of viral hepatitis, and a small risk of sports-related transmission of hepatitis B and C virus exists. Health care providers must make decisions regarding the timing of an infected athlete's safe return to athletic activity and be able to counsel athletes about the risks of viral transmission during sports. Individuals with acute and chronic hepatitis may tolerate exercise and sports participation quite well. Clinical signs and symptoms will often help guide return-to-play decisions. Attention to general hygiene practices, the standards of universal precautions, athlete immunization, and continued educational efforts can help prevent the acquisition and spread of viral hepatitis both on and off the field.

Viral hepatitis and exercise.

Increase awareness and publicity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has fostered a heightened sense of concern regarding the transmission of infectious agents during sports and athletic competition. Although the potential risk is low, there are other unanswered questions and issues regarding infectious disease and sports. Viral hepatitis is a common infection and predominantly affects the young who are most likely to lead active lives and engage in both amateur and competitive sport-related activity. This article summarizes the common forms of viral hepatitis and the associated clinical syndromes. In addition, a review of the literature addressing the effect of exercise and the various states of liver disease is presented. Finally, I will address the question regarding participation and return to physical activity following acute viral hepatitis, as well as chronic hepatitis.

[The differentiated use of mitigating mud therapy in the early convalescent period of viral hepatitis]. / Differentsirovannoe primenenie mitigirovannogo griazelecheniia v rannem periode rekonvalestsentsii virusnogo gepatita.

Two new techniques of mitigatory pelotherapy using mud applications to paravertebral area and acupuncture were compared for 152 viral hepatitis convalescents. The efficacy of the treatment was shown by a wide spectrum of hepatic functional and immunologic reactivity indications.