Hepatitis is a dreaded disease that’s more rampant than you could imagine — millions of people around the globe are battling Hepatitis (mainly B and C) as you read this.
Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Philip Abraham reveals that the word ‘hepatitis’ means liver inflammation. “The lay person confuses this with ‘jaundice’, which is yellow discolouration of the eyes. Jaundice has many causes, and hepatitis is the most common among them. Hepatitis itself has many causes, and the most common is viral hepatitis, which can be caused by many viruses, the most common being the hepatitis A and E viruses, followed by the B and C viruses.”
Explaining further he says, “Patients with acute hepatitis A and E usually present with low fever, loss of appetite and nausea or vomiting, followed by jaundice. The condition usually resolves in a few weeks. Prevention is by standard hygienic measures for food and water.”
He adds, “World Hepatitis Day is observed mainly to mark (chronic) hepatitis B and C, because these are the ones that can lead to long-term liver damage (cirrhosis and liver cancer). Patients with hepatitis B and C usually harbour the virus silently, till the liver is damaged permanently years later.”
General physician Dr Vimal Pahuja says that hepatitis B is spread by exposure to infected blood or body secretions. In infected individuals, the virus can be found in the blood, semen, vaginal discharge, breast milk, and saliva. “Hepatitis B isn’t spread through food, water or by casual contact. Unprotected sexual contact is the most common means of transmission, followed by using contaminated needles for injecting illicit drugs, tattooing, body piercing, or acupuncture. It can also be transmitted through sharing toothbrushes and razors contaminated with infected fluids or blood. Hepatitis B may spread from infected mothers to their babies at birth,” he informs.
The hepatitis C virus is transmitted mainly by contact with blood or blood products.
Sharing of contaminated needles among IV drug users is the most common mode of transmission. Using a needle to inject recreational drugs, even once several years ago, can cause transmission. Hepatitis C cannot be transmitted by living with, being near, or touching someone with the disease.
Talking about the vaccine that could help in preventing hepatitis B, Dr Parul Sheth says, the hepatitis B vaccine is given as a series of three injections over a period of six months. “Almost anyone can receive the vaccine, including infants, older adults and those with compromised immune systems. Also, if you’ve been exposed to the hepatitis B virus, your doctor can give you an injection of hepatitis B immune globulin within 24 hours of coming in contact with the virus. This can protect you from developing hepatitis B,” she says.
Unfortunately there is no vaccine available for hepatitis C. But to protect yourself from hepatitis C infection, stop using illicit drugs; do not share needles, if you choose to get a tattoo or body piercing done, look for a reputed place, make sure that the needles used are sterile. “Most importantly practice safe sex — avoid engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners,” she says.
Early detection can help arrest the disease at the initial stages.
- If your liver profile suggests hepatitis, test for it.
- If you’ve ever received transfusion of blood or blood products; have undergone any surgery; or come in close contact with a person with hepatitis B or C, test your blood for the same.
- It is a good idea for all to test and (if required) vaccinate against hepatitis B; there is no vaccine against hepatitis C.
- Avoid sharing anything sharp (needles, blades, tattoo instruments) with anyone; use disposable ones instead.
- Avoid receiving transfusion of blood or blood products unless your doctor feels it is essential.
- When transfusion is indicated, obtain the blood only from recognised and registered blood banks where prior testing of the blood is mandatory, although this may make the product more expensive.
Gastroenterologist Dr Prasanna Shah says that the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection recognised nearly 40 years ago remains a global health problem. “If routine infant HBV vaccination with three doses is given to the population, 68 per cent of HBV related deaths can be prevented.
A common example — we commonly see barbers on the road side shaving and cutting hair. People belonging to the lower income strata of society have no choice, but to go to these barbers. More often than not, there is a possibility of the virus being transmitted through contaminated blades and scissors. The least they can do is insist on changing the blade in front of their eyes.
However, if you are already infected, here’s what you can do...
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Follow a healthy diet comprising fruits and vegetables with added carbohydrates because they provide calories.
- Avoid medicines and substances that can cause harm to the liver. Call your doctor for advice if your condition worsens or new symptoms appear.
- Avoid drinking alcohol until your healthcare provider okays it. If your infection becomes chronic, you should avoid alcohol for the rest of your life.
- Avoid using drugs, even legal drugs, without consulting your doctor. Do not start any new medication (prescription or nonprescription), herbs, or supplements without first talking to an expert.
- Try to eat enough for adequate nutrition. Eat foods that appeal to you, but try to maintain a balanced diet. Many people with hepatitis have the greatest urge to eat early in the day.
- Avoid prolonged, vigorous exercises until symptoms start to improve and any activity that may spread the infection to other people.
- Call your doctor for advice if your condition worsens or new symptoms appear. The HBV infection is a potent killer — with the right information and correct steps towards prevention, it can be avoided or controlled,” concludes Dr Prasanna.
