World Hepatitis Day : Hepatitis B and C cause chronic disease in millions of people. This is because they cause liver cirrhosis and cancer. World Hepatitis Day is celebrated every year on 28 July to make people aware about hepatitis.
World Hepatitis Day
Hepatitis is a liver disease caused by a viral infection. Inflammation of the liver occurs due to hepatitis. There are 5 types of hepatitis (*). Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E.
Hepatitis B and C cause chronic disease in millions of people. This is because they cause liver cirrhosis and cancer. This is the reason why World Hepatitis Day is celebrated every year on 28 July to increase awareness among people about hepatitis all over the world. Hepatitis can be prevented by getting the child vaccinated after birth.
Dr. Rajnish Monga, HOD, Hepatology and Gastroenterology at Paras Hospital (*), Gurgaon, says, “Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver due to various infections (from Hepatitis A to E) and non-infectious causes like fat and alcohol. Chronic hepatitis B infection in India is about 11% of the world. Every year, HBV infection causes about 115,000 deaths in India and the child is the most likely to contract this infection.
Types of hepatitis
Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, Director and Founder, Ujala Sinus Group of Hospitals (*), said, “Viral hepatitis is one of the major health problems in India. Along with this, Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis-C are chronic and fatal, both these types. are also seen more in India. Both Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis-C viruses can remain dormant for up to 20 years, without warning, making the condition worse and causing liver cirrhosis.”
Hepatitis A – According to hepatitis A WHO, more than 14 people are affected by the disease every year. It is spread through contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is caused by the use of infected needles, blades, etc. Hepatitis B can be passed on to the baby from an infected mother during childbirth. It can also be caused by using items used by an infected person such as beard blades, toothbrushes.
Hepatitis C – This virus damages your liver by spreading through infected blood. Which can also lead to failure or cancer in the future.
Hepatitis D – This occurs only if the patient has already been infected with B or C. Hepatitis-D virus can live on B. Therefore, people who have been infected with hepatitis can also become infected with hepatitis D. This makes the situation even more delicate.
Hepatitis E– This is the cause of hepatitis infection in most countries of the world. It is more due to contaminated water and food.
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World Hepatitis Day
What causes hepatitis?
Dr. Ayush Dhingra, Consultant, Medical Gastroenterology at Columbia Asia Hospital, Gurugram says, “Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infection. This organ is the liver. Inflammation that occurs in the liver is called hepatitis. When there is inflammation or damage to the liver, liver function can be affected. Excessive drinking, toxins, certain medications, and certain medical conditions Hepatitis gives rise to the problem.”
- autoimmune condition
- alcohol intake
Hepatitis is caused due to liver infection, due to this viral infection, the risk of life also increases.
- viral infection
- Taking an overdose of medicine
Symptoms of Hepatitis
- being too tired
- nausea/vomiting
- Jaundice
- darkening of urine
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- loss of appetite
- weightloss
Types of Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B infection in the first 6 months is considered ‘acute’. Many people are able to get rid of it and recover at this stage. If the hepatitis B virus test (HBsAg) is still positive after 6 months, it is considered ‘chronic’ (long-term) hepatitis B infection, which can last a lifetime. This can lead to inflammation and severe liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Symptoms of acute hepatitis B
Acute hepatitis B infection usually begins with jaundice occurring approximately 12 weeks after the initial infection. Listed below are some related symptoms that are non-specific-
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle and joint pain
- Jaundice
Symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis B
Many people with chronic hepatitis B do not experience any symptoms of infection and remain unaffected, but they can still pass the virus on to others. Some develop serious liver problems. However, some may experience symptoms that are similar to other forms of viral hepatitis.
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue and irritability
- pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Joint aches and pains
How does someone get an infection?
Hepatitis B can be spread from person to person in certain ways. People can get the infection by coming in contact with the blood and other body fluids of an infected person. The most common ways you can get hepatitis B include:
Having unprotected sex with an infected person. Sharing needles with an infected person for drug use, tattoos or piercings. Sharing everyday objects that may contain body fluids including razors, jewellery, nail cutters, etc. From infected mother to newborn at delivery if bitten by an infected person through contaminated means during medical treatment of the infected person.
We should also know that hepatitis B is not spread by kissing, coughing or sneezing, hugging, shaking or holding hands, eating food that has been prepared by someone with the infection or by breastfeeding.
How is Hepatitis B diagnosed?
A simple blood test can find out whether a person is infected with the hepatitis B virus or not. This test detects a protein on the surface of the virus called hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg). If a person is found to be infected (if the person is HBsAg-positive), other tests may be advised to check the severity of the infection, liver inflammation and liver damage.
Hepatitis B Prevention
- Vaccination
Hepatitis B vaccine (if you are not already infected) is one of the best ways to control the disease. It is safe, effective and commonly available.
- Prevention of Post-Exposure
If you have not been vaccinated and you have been exposed to the virus, you should see a doctor immediately. You may be given an injection of antibodies called immunoglobulins along with starting a course of immunization. This can prevent the infection from developing.
- Preventing infection in newborns, infants
Hepatitis B blood test is offered to all pregnant women. If the mother is infected, her baby is given injections of antibodies and vaccinations are also done directly after birth. (It is believed that transmission of the virus to the baby occurs mainly during delivery and not during pregnancy) This treatment has a good chance of preventing the infection from developing in the baby.
To prevent the spread of hepatitis B infection from yourself (infected) to others (non-infected): Never share personal care items such as toothbrushes or razors. Safe sex Practice Tattoos or piercings only in places where safe practice Be sure and have standard hygiene protocols. Be sure to use clean single-use disposable needles for injection.
World Hepatitis Day …..
Treatment
If you are aware or suspect that you have been exposed to the virus, consult your doctor and seek advice. In case of acute hepatitis B infection, you may not require medical treatment. The doctor may suggest adequate rest, plenty of fluids and a healthy diet to fight the infection. It is imperative to stay away from alcohol as it can damage your liver. Consult your doctor before taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, or supplements as some of them can be harmful for liver inflammation.
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If the infection is active for more than 6 months, you are considered to be a chronic hepatitis B patient and your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat it. These treatments are to stop the hepatitis B virus from multiplying. It reduces the risk of serious liver disease developing later in life. Additionally, it helps in repairing some damage to the liver. However, it is very rare that any of these drugs will get rid of the hepatitis B virus from your liver itself. Treatment with drugs is usually continued for several years.
(Dr Vidyasagar Ramappa is a Consultant – Gastroenterology at Columbia Asia Referral Hospital Yesvantpur (A Unit of Manipal Hospitals)) (*)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the author’s personal views. We are not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of any information in this article.
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Quotes relating to Hepatitis Day
1. Hepatitis doesn’t always present symptoms.” – Karen Gonzales
2. People are reticent to give a newborn the hepatitis B vaccine and often delay it.” – Paul A. Offit
3. I love Fear Factor, but I think they’re running out of fears. It’s only a matter of time before they’re sitting around doing shots of Hepatitis C.” – Dave Attell
4. There has been a treatment for hepatitis C, but the treatment has not been overwhelming effective, number 1. And number 2, it has had considerable toxicity.” – Anthony S
5. “There is a growing need to make people aware of the severity of the disease in the region. People need to be extra careful, as it is one of the regions where infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common.” – Dr. RS Verma
World Hepatitis Day: Messages
• Let us learn to protect ourselves from hepatitis diseases on World Hepatitis Day. get vaccinated on world hepatitis day
• And protect yourself from falling prey to any of these hepatitis diseases.
• Hepatitis can be easily avoided by taking a little precaution and following healthy practices.
• It is time for us to learn from all the deaths caused by hepatitis every year.
• You will not be able to see hepatitis symptoms every time, so be careful and increase awareness about hepatitis disease on World Hepatitis Day.
World Hepatitis Day: Slogans
• love your liver and live longer
• Get checked quickly and stay healthy for a long time.
• Stop hepatitis: It’s up to you
• I’m a hepatitis warrior
• Throw it before it throws you
The Bottom Line
There are different types of hepatitis that can cause different health problems, due to the severity of hepatitis B, WHO is looking to eliminate it by 2030. Globally, one person dies of hepatitis-related disease every 30 seconds. World Hepatitis Day is celebrated every year on 28 July to create awareness about this disease. WHO has created a theme for this year called “Hepatitis Can’t Wait”, which reflects its urgency to eliminate the disease.
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