Word hepatitis day 2020, things you must know
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July 27, 2020
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Hepatitis B and C affect about 325 million people across the world. Hepatitis B alone is responsible for 900,000 deaths per year. Although a severe illness, only 10% of the people are aware of having hepatitis and 42% of children do not receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth worldwide. Thus, awareness is essential in hepatitis B. World Health Organisation (WHO) observes 28th July 2020 as World Hepatitis Day to spread awareness about the disease.
Hepatitis means inflammation or swelling of the liver. Viral hepatitis is a viral infection caused by five major viruses, namely Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E.
Hepatitis A and E spread from food contaminated by infected person's stools. Hepatitis E can be contracted from undercooked pork or shellfish. Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D spread through contact with an infected person's blood. Hepatitis B and D can also happen through contact with body fluids such as by an act of sharing needles or having unprotected sex.
Hepatitis A and E viruses are often short-lived in the body as the body fights the infection and removes the viruses. Hepatitis B, C and D are long-lasting. While in some cases, the body will fight and eliminate the virus over a short or long time. In other cases, the body may not be able to remove the infection. The disease may progress to liver damage, which may result in a range of conditions such as liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure.
Virus hepatitis may lead to varied and a range of symptoms. Some of the symptoms include dark yellow urine, diarrhea, feeling tired, fever, gray- or clay-colored stools, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea, pain in the abdomen, vomiting, yellowish eyes and skin, called jaundice, etc. Some people may not have any symptoms—earlier the diagnosis, better the outcome in viral hepatitis. Thus, screening is essential. However, all need not be screened.
Who should be screened?
· Those who inject drugs, undergo medical treatment frequently, pregnant, history of unprotected sex with a person affected with viral hepatitis, blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992, have been working with an infected needle or body fluids, had a tattoo or body piercing, born to mother with viral hepatitis, multiple sex partners, homosexuals, etc. need screening for viral hepatitis.
· Vaccination is available for viral hepatitis and those who are at high risk should consider vaccination. Besides, every newborn should receive the vaccination at birth and at least two subsequent doses.
· Treatment of hepatitis varies from virus to virus and also depends on the stage of the disease. The doctor would evaluate and treat according to the patient's condition.
· All said, prevention through vaccination and screening to ensure early diagnosis and treatment are essential to fight viral hepatitis. This, World Hepatitis Day, make yourself aware of the disease and spread awareness about viral hepatitis to your friends and family
Disclaimer: Don't follow any suggestions in this article without consulting a qualified doctor.
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