This World Hepatitis Day Comprehend The Types Of Hepatitis, Risk And The Prevention To It

Every organ plays a vital role in the body. Similarly liver is also an important organ of the body with a role to play. It is one of the largest organs in the human body, which is located in the upper portion of the abdomen which is vital for detoxification. The blood is metabolised and toxins are filtered in the liver. One of the most common viruses that influence the liver is hepatitis. World Hepatitis Day is remembered every year on 28 July to spread consciousness about viral hepatitis. This World Hepatitis Day let us comprehend the different sorts of Hepatitis and how to forestall the contamination.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), about 100 million people worldwide are suffering from Hepatitis which is undiagnosed. This is because specifically two forms, i.e. Hepatitis B and C damage the liver slowly over a while without any symptoms. It is for this reason that Hepatitis has been given the moniker of 'the silent killer’.

Hepatitis is broadly categorised into five major types — Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. 

Hepatitis A and E: These are the two forms of the virus which are referred to as contagious liver infection and are transmitted through infected food or water. The virus is transmitted through the faces of an infected person that contaminates the water or food source. The symptoms of Hepatitis A or E infection encompasses include jaundice, stomach pain, change in the colour of urine, and change in excretion, appetite loss, pain in the joints, loose motions, fatigue, fever etc. One can witness Hepatitis E in the areas where there is lack of access to clean water and unhygienic conditions. In many cases, the virus is self-treatable and curable, people can recover within a month or so. But on the other hand,  it can be harmful to the elderly, people with lower immunity and people with co-morbidities or pregnant women.

Hepatitis B and C: These two types of hepatitis are most common in India. The symptoms of this particular type don’t appear instantly. A person suffering from Hepatitis B or C may remain asymptomatic for twelve weeks and can still be contagious. Dark urine, body pain - joints and muscles, pain in the abdomen, yellowing of the eyes and skin, low appetite, weakness are some of the symptoms of this infection. Compression of Hepatitis B or C infection may happen through intercourse, utilisation of contaminated needle, or the utilisation of IV drugs. Individuals with previous conditions, such as kidney disease, liver disease or diabetics, and the older are also at a higher risk of contracting Hepatitis B and C. 

Individuals with Hepatitis B and C infection are at a greater risk of developing chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. A lot of times it has been seen that patients suffering from liver cancer are diagnosed with Hepatitis B which goes unnoticed in the initial stages.

As we all know, “Prevention is better than cure,” thus one shall stick to this and adhere for one’s betterment. Hepatitis can be prevented by the intake of vaccinations, till date the available vaccine is for Hepatitis A and B.

People who are tormented from chronic liver or kidney disease or AIDS must intake the vaccination as hepatitis infection in them can turn out to be severed. Before venturing out to any nation which is endemic to a kind of Hepatitis, one must guarantee the intake of the vaccine. One should be extra careful about the sanitation and hygiene around them. One must avoid drinking tap water and should be extra careful about the water used for the preparation of food. 

The safety and hygiene protocols must be checked in advance, before visiting any tattoo artist, piercing parlours, acupuncture clinics, barbers, medical facilities. Generally one must avoid the use of any suspicious tools that can penetrate through the skin. 

Furthermore, practices must be followed to build immunity and a healthy lifestyle to keep the liver healthy and strong. A balanced diet, rich in nutrients should be a part of one’s meal. excessive consumption of alcohol, processed food with high sodium and fat content, and the use of narcotics should be avoided. As these can result in liver dysfunction a while of time which will ultimately result in chronic liver disease