Hepatitis is swelling of the liver, an important organ responsible for removing toxins from the body, helping digestion, and storing energy.
This condition can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) and can result from various causes, including viral infections, alcohol consumption, and few medications.
The most common types of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each differing in their modes of transfer and effect on health.
Hepatitis A (HAV)
Transmission: Hepatitis A usually spreads through the consumption of rotten/spoiled food or water or close contact with an infected person.
Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, loss of hunger, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Prevention: Vaccination provides the best protection against HAV. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and clean water, is also important.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Transmission: Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected body fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Common transmission methods include unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, and mother-to-child transmission during childbirth.
Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, loss of hunger, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and joint pain.
Prevention: Vaccination is highly effective in preventing HBV. Also, safe sexual practices, avoiding sharing needles, and screening blood donations can reduce the risk of getting Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Transmission: Hepatitis C mainly spreads through blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles. However, it can also spread through sexual contact or from mother to child during childbirth.
Symptoms: Hepatitis C symptoms can vary widely, and many people may not experience any symptoms, especially in the early stages. When symptoms do occur, they can include Fever, fatigue, loss of hunger, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice.
Prevention: There is no vaccine for HCV, but avoiding risky behaviors like sharing needles and screening blood products like platelets, plasma, or whole blood, etc can prevent infection. Antiviral medications can effectively treat and sometimes cure HCV as well.
Hepatitis D (HDV)
Transmission: Hepatitis D can only affect people who are already infected with Hepatitis B. It spreads through contact with the blood or other body fluids of someone who has the virus, similar to how Hepatitis B spreads.
Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, loss of hunger, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and joint pain.
Prevention: Vaccination against HBV also provides protection against HDV.
Hepatitis E (HEV)
Transmission: Hepatitis E usually spreads through the consumption of contaminated water or food. It is more common in areas with poor sanitation.
Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, loss of hunger, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Prevention: Ensuring access to clean drinking water and maintaining good hygiene practices are crucial for preventing HEV. There is a vaccine for HEV, but it is not widely available.
How Can You Stay Safe From Hepatitis
Vaccination: Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and B, which are the most effective ways to prevent these infections.
Safe Practices: Avoid sharing needles, practice safe sex, and make sure to screen blood products like platelets, plasma, whole blood, etc.
Hygiene: Maintain good personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
Food and Water Safety: Ensure food is properly cooked and water comes from a safe source, especially when traveling to areas with poor sanitation.
Conclusion
Hepatitis remains a serious global health challenge, but with proper awareness, vaccination, and safe practices, it can be effectively stopped and managed. If you have doubtful exposure to hepatitis or experience symptoms, you can seek medical advice from the expert doctors at Kanishk Surgical & Super Specialty Hospital, Dehradun.
We provide cashless treatments to people having ECHS, CGHS, SGHS (Golden Card) CAPF, Railway employees, Ex-Army, central and state government employees, and private TPA health insurance holders.