World Hepatitis Day observed on July 28 of every year is aimed to raise global awareness of hepatitis, to encourage prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Hepatitis affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide causing acute and chronic disease and killing close to 1.4million people every year.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver which can be self-limiting or progressive to fibrosis, cirrhosis or liver cancer. It is caused mainly by virus. Other causes includes liver damage from alcohol or poison, medicines such as an overdose of paracetamol, immune cells in the body attacking the liver. There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as type A, B, C, D and E.
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) is present in the faeces of infected person and is most often transmitted through consumption of contaminated food or water. People in areas with poor sanitation are prone to contract the virus. No specific treatment for HAV other than to relieve symptoms. Safe and effective vaccines are available for HAV.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) usually occur as a result of parenteral contact with infected body fluids like receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipments, mother to baby at birth, family member to a child and also by sexual contact through the semen. It poses a risk to healthcare workers who sustain accidental needles, stick injuries while caring for infected HBV patients. Serious liver damage occur resulting in cancer. Safe and effective vaccines are available. Chronic hepatitis B is treatable with antiviral medication.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is mostly transmitted through infective blood. Sexual transmission is also possible but is less common. In HCV, unlike HBV, liver cancer risk is only increased in people with cirrhosis. There is no vaccine available for this virus. Chronic hepatitis C is treated with antiviral medication.
Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) occur only in those who are infected with HBV. The dual infection of HDV and HBV can result in a more serious disease and worse outcome. Hepatitis B vaccines provide protection from HDV infections.
Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is also transmitted through consumption of contaminated food or water. It is the common cause of hepatitis in developing countries. Vaccines are developed but are not widely available.
Not all forms of hepatitis are infectious. Obesity can be a cause of liver damage which can lead to inflammation. A person may have an autoimmune related injury, a metabolic disorder or genetic problem. These are known as non-infectious because they cannot spread from one person to another.
Uncommon types of hepatitis includes hepatitis X, hepatitis of an unknown virus and hepatitis G which is caused by HGV. There are no symptoms but mild when there are symptoms.
Initial symptoms of hepatitis are similar to that of flu. Other symptoms are jaundice, dark urine, headache, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
Physical exam can be done by looking for fluid in the abdomen, yellowing of the skin and enlarged and tender liver. Laboratory test to diagnose includes; ultrasound of the abdomen, liver function tests, liver biopsy to check for liver damage, test to diagnose hepatitis A, B and C and autoimmune blood makers.
Hepatitis can heal on its own with no significant consequence or can progress to scarring of the liver. Acute hepatitis lasts under 6 months while chronic hepatitis last longer. Treatment will vary , depending on the cause of the liver disease.
Hepatitis can be prevented through the following:
1. Cleaning blood spills with household bleach and water.
2. Avoid sharing of personal items such as razors.
3. Do not get tattoos or body piercings with instruments that have not been cleaned properly.
4. Avoid sharing drug needles or other drug equipments.
5. Always wash hands well after using the restroom and when you come in contact with an infected person's blood, stools or other bodily fluids.
6. Avoid unclean food and water.
7. Use latex condom to prevent the risk of transmission.
8. Vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis A and B. Vaccines is thought to be effective for 15-20 years or more. Get vaccinated.
Say YES to a hepatitis-free generation.
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