The theme of the World Hepatitis Day 2024 is ‘It’s time for action.’ According to WHO, a person with hepatitis-related illness passes away every 30 seconds. In this situation, it is essential to accelerate action on better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to save lives.
The day serves as an opportunity to step up national and international efforts on hepatitis, encourage actions and engagement, and highlight the need for a greater global response. The date of July 28 was chosen on the birth anniversary of Nobel-prize-winning scientist Dr Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and developed a vaccine and diagnostic test for the virus.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of all types of viral hepatitis are similar and include one or more of the following:
Fatigue
Fever
Loss of appetite
Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
Dark urine or clay-coloured stools
Diarrhea (hepatitis A only)
Joint pain
Nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting
Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
Types and Causes:
Hepatitis has five main strains: type A, type B, type C, type D, and type E. These differ in modes of transmission, prevention methods, and severity of the virus. Of all the types, millions of people develop chronic illnesses from hepatitis B and C, which usually lead to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death.
Hepatitis A: It is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and transmitted through contaminated food or water and personal contact with an infected person.
Hepatitis B: This can be transmitted from an infected mother to a child, infected bodily fluids, or from sharing contaminated needles or other sharp objects.
Hepatitis C: The Hepatitis C virus is transmitted through infected blood, sharing needles, unsanitary tattooing, or sex with an infected person.
Hepatitis D: The transmission occurs through infected blood. It only occurs alongside or after a Hepatitis B infection.
Hepatitis E: It spreads through contaminated food and water. It also occurs due to the consumption of uncooked or undercooked meat.
Precautions:
As there is no cure for Hepatitis to date, the individual can take essential precautions to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Get vaccinated, particularly for HBV and where appropriate HAV and HEV.
Ensure proper sterilisation of medical equipment.
Practice good hygiene.
Ensure proper sterilisation of medical equipment intended for multiple use.
Avoid consuming contaminated food and water.
Use condoms and practice safe sex.
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
