Hepatitis is a critical disease caused due to inflammation of the liver in the body, virus infection, or due to liver damage. The purpose of this day is to encourage global awareness to help patients detect hepatitis at an early stage and prevent it with an accurate diagnosis. Today, we promote the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures of hepatitis to raise awareness and find those untreated missing millions for saving their lives. On World Hepatitis Day, we seize the opportunity to emphasize on the fact that millions are still undiagnosed and hence not treated.
A person can be affected by hepatitis in any form like Hepatitis A virus, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Hepatitis E. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E are waterborne diseases and other types of hepatitis are blood-borne diseases.
Hepatitis C is the most critical disease of all. According to the Indian Journal of Community medicine, in Tamil Nadu, India, 20 million people were affected by the Hepatitis C virus during 2012. A quarter of these was at a higher risk of developing liver disease in the coming 10–15 years. Let’s take an overview of hepatitis causes, symptoms, and precautionary methods common for any form of Hepatitis.
Few causes are eating contaminated food, taking contaminated water, close contact with hepatitis infected patients, infected blood due to blood donation, and traveling to a place where Hepatitis is common. HIV Aids positive patients can also get affected by hepatitis. The World Health Organisation(WHO) says the estimated global burden of HIV and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection is 2.75 million. HIV Aids and more alcohol intake are also few cases of hepatitis.
Few symptoms are fatigue, chest pain, joint pain, intense itching, poor appetite, fever, and stomach pain. If you notice these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately
Few preventive measures are -
Vaccination is essential to avoid hepatitis
Eat boiled veggies. Avoid undercooked meat or fish
Prefer intake of boiled water
Practice more hygiene and sanitation
Avoid contact with sharp objects like needles. Avoid tattoos, piercing, grooming items that might be contaminated.
Don’t share your personal belongings with others. If these belongings are unhygienic, the person using gets infected. The ideal treatment and outcome-based diagnosis are essential. Hyper-convenient and personalized medical care for lifestyle development are important.
