“Worldwide 400 million people are living with Hepatitis B or C. Every year 1.4 million people die from viral
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hepatitis and yet all of these deaths could be prevented.” – worldhepatitisday.org 28th July is observed as the World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness about the disease, vaccination and treatment since 2010 when WHO declared Hepatitis as one of the four official disease-specific World Health Days along with HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis. This day was chosen in the honor of Nobel Laureate Professor Baruch Samuel Blumberg. He is the one who discovered Hepatitis B virus and developed the first Hepatitis B vaccine.
Viral hepatitis can be prevented with the right treatment. Governments worldwide are promoting Hepatitis prevention through various campaigns. With better awareness, Hepatitis disease can be prevented and 4,000 lives can be saved every day.
Types of Hepatitis Disease
Viral hepatitis diseases include a group of infectious diseases; termed as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D and Hepatitis E. These diseases majorly affect the liver; extreme cases leading to death.
Hepatitis A: This one is a liver disease caused by Hepatitis A virus. It is generally associated with lack of safe drinking water and poor sanitation. Hepatitis A disease can cause mild to severe illness.
Hepatitis B: This one is life-threatening and is caused by Hepatitis B virus. It can lead to acute and chronic liver disease. The virus is transmitted through the contact of blood or body fluids of an infected person.
Hepatitis C: This one is caused by Hepatitis C virus and can lead both acute and chronic infection. The virus is usually cleared in infected person within 6 months. However, people diagnosed with chronic HCV might have risk of cirrhosis of the liver for about 20 yrs.
Hepatitis D: This one is termed as a subviral satellite because it can propagate only with the presence of Hepatitis B. This one with combination of Hepatitis B can lead to liver failure and liver cancer.
Hepatitis E: This one is caused by Hepatitis E virus and is majorly associated with contaminated drinking water. The virus is usually cleared in the span of 4-6 weeks.
3 Hepatitis Prevention Tips
1. Know the Risks – Understand the risks and prevent the same. Unsafe injections, blood can result to Hepatitis infection. Always demand for sterile injections for prevention the disease.
2. Consider Diagnosis – There are medicines and vaccines available to treat Hepatitis infection. Don’t ignore fever, instead consider diagnosis and get treated on time.
3. Seek Vaccination – An effective vaccination on the right time can prevent Hepatitis infection. Get your kids and yourself vaccinated and stay safe.
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