World Hepatitis Day 2022:Everything You Need to Know

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. It is commonly the result of a viral infection, but there are other possible causes which include autoimmune hepatitis (occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue) or hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 354 million people live globally with chronic hepatitis B and C.

Types of Hepatitis

The 5 main viral classification of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. A different virus is responsible for each type of viral hepatitis. Let’s understand each of them in detail:

1. Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A results due to an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is an acute, short-term disease caused by eating contaminated food and water, or through an infected person’s stool, or by anal-oral contact during sex. While the patient typically recovers without treatment, be proactive by getting the vaccine for Hepatitis A. HAV infection can also be severe and life-threatening, so practice good hygiene and hand washing to reduce your risk& to prevent HAV.

2. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B, caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV)is often an ongoing, chronic condition. Hepatitis B is spread by contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, or other body fluid. HBV can also be transmitted through

1. At Birth or breast milk

2. HBV contaminated blood transfusion

3. Getting a tattoo or body piercing with unsterile needles or tools

4. Sharing personal items such as toothbrush, razors etc

5. Having unprotected sex

While there is a treatment for Hepatitis B, there is no cure. It is highly recommended to get the vaccine for Hepatitis B

3. Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C comes from hepatitis C virus (HCV) and it typically presents as a long-term condition. It is transmitted in the same way as Hepatitis B. Also, Hepatitis C is often known as “silent killer” as the symptoms don’t usually show up until severe liver damage has been done. Hence, be proactive and be tested and seek early treatment.While there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, there are a variety of treatment options with a high cure rate.

4. Hepatitis D

This is a rare form of Hepatitis that only occurs along with Hepatitis B infection. It comes from hepatitis D virus (HDV) which also causes liver inflammation. However, a person cannot contract HDV without an existing hepatitis B infection. It is transmitted in the same way as Hepatitis B & C and while there is no Hepatitis D vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine helps to reduce chances of infection with Hepatitis D

5. Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E results from exposure to hepatitis E virus (HEV) and it is much like Hepatitis A. It is it also caused by eating contaminated food and water, or through an infected person’s stool, or by anal-oral contact during sex. While there is no vaccine it is recommended to practice good hygiene. Hepatitis E is usually acute but it can be particularly dangerous in pregnant women,

Symptoms of Hepatitis

• Fatigue

• Flu-like symptoms

• Yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice

• Pale stool

• Dark urine

• Abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite

• Unexplained weight loss

Complications of Hepatitis

Hepatitis B or C can lead to more severe health problems such as :

• Chronic liver disease

• Cirrhosis

• Liver cancer

Tips to Protect Yourself against Hepatitis

• Always use sterile injection.

• Practice safe sex.

• Use your own toothbrush, personal blades and razors.

• Use safe tattooing and piercing equipment.

• Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters.

• If you travel to a country with a high prevalence of hepatitis, you should prevent drinking local water and eating raw fruit and vegetables.

• Newborns should be vaccinated with the Hepatitis B vaccine; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommend doing so.