On 28 July, World Hepatitis Day raises awareness about viral hepatitis and encourages global action.
Inflammation of the liver is known as hepatitis. A, B, C, D, and E are the five types of hepatitis virus. Globally, hundreds of millions of people suffer from chronic hepatitis B and C, which cause liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and viral hepatitis-related deaths.
Theme of World Hepatitis Day 2023
This year’s theme, “We’re not waiting”, aims to raise awareness about the need to simplify and bring hepatitis care to primary health facilities, community-based venues, and locations beyond hospital sites, so that care is closer to communities and people wherever they are.
What is Hepatitis?
Inflammation of the liver occurs as a result of hepatitis. Viral infections are the most common cause of hepatitis. Hepatitis can also be caused by several other factors. As an example, there is autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis caused by the overuse of drugs, medications, toxins, and most importantly alcohol. Hepatitis caused by autoimmunity occurs when the body makes antibodies against the liver tissue.
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Causes of Hepatitis.
Hepatitis is usually caused by contaminated water, contaminated food, and contaminated syringes. Overuse of drugs and medicines can also cause hepatitis by damaging the liver. Alcohol consumption has been found to be a major cause of hepatitis.
The symptoms of hepatitis B and C might not appear until the liver is damaged. Hepatitis acute is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptom
- Pale stool
- Dark urine
- Yellow skin and eyes
- Weight Loss
Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis virus has five variants: A, B, C, D, and E.
Hepatitis A
The most common means of transmission of ‘hepatitis A’ are through contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis B
Infected people transmit Hepatitis B through their body fluids. The Hepatitis B virus is present in body fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, and blood. By injecting with the same syringe, having sex with the infected person, or using the same razor, the risk of infection increases.
Hepatitis C
By injecting or sexually contacting the body fluids of an infected person, Hepatitis C can be transmitted.
Hepatitis D
Delta hepatitis is another name for hepatitis D. The hepatitis D virus causes this serious liver disease. Blood that has been infected with HDV can be transmitted directly by direct contact. It is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs concurrently with hepatitis B. It is impossible for the D type of this virus to multiply without the B type.
Hepatitis E
The hepatitis E virus causes waterborne hepatitis E. Regions with poor sanitation are most likely to have this type of virus. Faecal matter contamination of the water generally causes it.
5 actions to protect yourself against hepatitis:
- Use sterile injections always.
- Use your own razors and blades.
- Practice safe sex.
- Use safe tattooing and piercing equipment.
- Vaccinate infants against Hepatitis B.