Hepatitis, caused by hepatitis viruses, is an inflammation of the liver. However, other infections and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis. We all dread to hear the word ‘hepatitis’ which caused a lot of us to shy from it. In the process, many do not know about the disease.

In view of the World Hepatitis Day held yesterday, 28th July 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO), in raising awareness about hepatitis viruses, urges all countries and partners to promote the theme “Invest in Eliminating Hepatitis”.

 

Viral hepatitis B and C affect 325 million people worldwide causing 1.4 million deaths a year. It is the second major killer infectious disease after tuberculosis, and 9 times more people are infected with hepatitis than HIV. Hepatitis is preventable, treatable, and in the case of hepatitis C, curable.

 

However, over 80% of people living with hepatitis are lacking prevention, testing and treatment services. So it’s important to know, prevent, test and treat immediately in order to eliminate hepatitis.

 

What exactly should you know about Hepatitis

Fact 1

Hepatitis is not hereditary. However, Hepatitis B is often transmitted from mother to child during the birthing process. A mother can prevent this if she knows her HBV status and sees to the administration of immunoglobulin and vaccine to the newborn within 12 hours of birth.

Fact 2

Hepatitis B virus can survive in dried blood for up to seven days. During this period, it also remains capable of causing infection. On the other hand, the Hepatitis C virus can survive on environmental surfaces for up to 16 hours. It can also spread from infected fluid splashes to the conjunctiva. The Hepatitis B virus is 10 times more infectious than the Hepatitis C virus and 50-100 times more infectious than HIV.

Fact 3

Hepatitis B virus is not transmitted through bre*st milk. However, mothers with cracked or bleeding nipples should consider avoiding bre*stfeeding and substitute with an infant formula until such time as their nipples heal.

Fact 4

Not all hepatitis viruses are the same. There are five main types of the hepatitis virus – A, B, C, D and E. These five types are distinct and can spread in different ways and they affect the body differently, resulting in different health outcomes.

Different types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is most often transmitted through ingesting water or food contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person. The hepatitis A virus does not cause chronic, lifelong infection and is rarely fatal. However, it can also be severe and life-threatening. It usually spreads from close personal contacts with an infected person either through having s*x or caring for someone who is ill. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent this virus. However, good hygiene practices, improved sanitation and increased food safety can also prevent hepatitis A.

 

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is mostly transmitted through exposure to infective blood, semen and other body fluids. It usually spreads from infected mothers to infants at the time of birth or from family member to infant in early childhood. Transmission may also occur through contact with blood and other body fluids through injection drug use, unsterile medical equipment, and s*xual contact.

Hepatitis B can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, chronic illness. This virus poses a risk to healthcare workers who sustain accidental needle stick injuries while caring for infected HBV patients. Getting the hepatitis B vaccine is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis B.

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Hepatitis C

Exposure to blood from an infected person can mostly transmit Hepatitis C. This may happen through transfusions of HCV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. Hepatitis C can cause both acute and chronic infections. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D can be transmitted through contact with infected blood. Only people infected with the hepatitis B virus can contact hepatitis D. Getting hepatitis B vaccination helps in preventing it.

Hepatitis E

Consumption of drinking water can lead to the transmission of Hepatitis E. Pregnant women infected with hepatitis E are at considerable risk of mortality from this infection. Improved water quality and sanitation can help prevent new cases of hepatitis E. Safe and effective vaccines to prevent hepatitis E infection have been developed but are not widely available.

Acute infection may occur with limited or no symptoms. It may also include symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Hence, it is of vital importance to know your status.

Are you at risk? Get tested, as early testing improves the prognosis of the disease and there is a high chance of saving your life.

 

Read more on hepatitis viruses here.

 

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