Every year July 28, Recognized as World Hepatitis Day. It is observed on the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg (1925–2011). It aims to raise or promote global awareness of hepatitis and also encourage prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. He identified the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and also created the first hepatitis B vaccination two years later. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976 for his contributions. World Health Organization (WHO) marked World Hepatitis Day as one of the 11 recognized global public health campaigns, which include World Health Day, World Chagas Disease Day, World Blood Donor Day, World AIDS Day, and others.
What Exactly is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is liver inflammation. It is a swelling that occurs when body tissues are damaged or diseased. Its potential to damage the liver and its functioning may be harmed as a result of the swelling and damage. Hepatitis is classified as either an immediate (short-term) or prolonged (long-term) infection. Some kinds of hepatitis cause short-term infection. Acute and persistent infections can be caused by other types.
Types of Hepatitis:
Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are five different hepatitis viruses that can spread in different ways, affect different populations, and have varying health implications.
- Hepatitis A is a type of liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus that can be prevented with a vaccine (HAV). HAV is discovered in the stool and blood of infected patients. It is a very communicable disease and can be transmitted unintentionally consumes the virus through close personal contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or drink. Its symptoms include exhaustion, stomach aches, and jaundice, which can last up to two months. It does not cause long-term sickness. Vaccination is the most effective strategy to get rid of it.
- Hepatitis B is also a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus that can be prevented with a vaccine (HBV). When blood, sperm, or other bodily fluids from a virus-infected individual entered the body of an uninfected person, sexual contact, sharing syringes, or other drug-injection equipments, syringes, or from mother to infant are all possibilities. Not everyone who is newly infected with HBV experiences symptoms, however those who do may experience exhaustion, stomach ache, nausea, and jaundice which last only for a short period.
- Hepatitis C is also a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It does not have a vaccination. It enters the blood by contact with an infected individual. The majority of people today contract hepatitis C from needles and syringes or other equipment that is used in injecting drugs. It is a short-term sickness for some people, but for those who come in contact with the virus, it becomes a long-term, chronic condition. There are two major side effects of Cirrhosis and liver cancer. Chronic hepatitis C patients frequently have little or no indications and do not feel ill. Symptoms of the severe liver disease frequently show when they first appear.
- Hepatitis D is also a liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus, commonly known as “Delta Hepatitis” (HDV). It can only be developed in those who also have the hepatitis B virus. It can be a short-term, acute infection or a chronic, long-term infection. It can induce severe symptoms and disease, as well as liver damage that can last a lifetime and can lead even to death. People can acquire both the hepatitis B and D viruses simultaneously (known as ‘coinfection’), or they can contract hepatitis D after contracting the hepatitis B virus (known as “secondary infection”).
- Hepatitis E virus causes hepatitis E, which is a liver infection (HEV). HEV is discovered in an infected person’s feces. When someone accidentally gets in touch with the virus it spreads drastically. People in underdeveloped countries are most likely to contract hepatitis E via drinking water contaminated with the virus’s excrement. People have contracted hepatitis E after eating raw or undercooked pig, venison, and wild boar meat. In the United States and other developed nations where hepatitis E is not uncommon. Most instances in industrialized nations in the past included people who had recently gone to places where hepatitis E was prevalent. Hepatitis E symptoms include exhaustion, loss of appetite, stomach pain, and vomiting.
Hepatitis Symptoms that are Common:
If one is associated with hepatitis, such as hepatitis B or C, one may not experience the following symptoms till it damages the liver impact’s ability to function. People with acute hepatitis, on the other hand, may develop symptoms soon after receiving the hepatitis virus. Infectious hepatitis can cause the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Symptoms of the flu
- Urine that is dark in color
- Stool that is light in color
- Stomach ache
- A decrease in appetite
- Weight loss that isn’t explained
- Jaundice symptoms include yellow skin and eyes.
Hepatitis Prevention Tips:
- Vaccines are available that could help to protect against a variety of hepatitis viruses.
- Keeping your risk of being exposed to these viruses to a minimum can also help you avoid getting sick.
- When traveling, drink bottled water.
- When visiting places visits with low sanitation, use caution. (Don’t forget to obtain your vaccinations.)
- Maintain appropriate personal hygiene by thoroughly washing hands with soap and water.
- Avoid dairy items as well as raw meat and seafood.
Vaccines
Hepatitis A vaccination is available, and it can help prevent HAV infection. Hepatitis A vaccine is usually given in two doses to most children between the ages of 12 and 23 months. Adults could get this vaccine, which includes the hepatitis B vaccine.
Hepatitis B immunizations are recommended for all babies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During the first six months of a child’s life, doctors usually deliver a course of three immunizations.
There is no hepatitis C vaccination. The best method to avoid hepatitis C is to avoid activities that might transmit the disease, particularly drug injections. It is critical to get diagnosed with hepatitis C since therapies can cure most individuals in 8 to 12 weeks.
There is no vaccination available to protect against hepatitis D. Hepatitis B vaccination, on the other hand, protects against future hepatitis D infection.