World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28 every year, aims to raise global awareness of hepatitis and encourage prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis. Hepatitis affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, and kills close to 1.4 million people every year.
World Hepatitis Day – 2023
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, and viruses are a common cause of hepatitis. Common viruses that affect the liver are known as hepatitis viruses A,B,C,D, and E. There are two types of infection – acute, which is usually due to hepatitis A and E, and chronic, which is due to hepatitis B, C, and D.
Acute hepatitis due to A and E viruses is usually due to contaminated food and water and is common in regions where food hygiene is poor. In UAE, these infections are uncommon, but we still see acute infections in people who visit the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Central and South America. Acute infections present with fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and jaundice (yellowness of the eyes and urine). Fortunately acute hepatitis is self limiting and usually resolves by itself in 2-4 weeks. It can however cause a serious liver problem in those who have other forms of underlying liver disease such as those with liver cirrhosis.
Chronic hepatitis occurs predominately due to hepatitis B and C viruses. These infections last for several years and most individuals with these infections appear healthy and do not have any symptoms. Over a period of 15-30 years the liver slowly gets damaged to a stage called liver cirrhosis. Once an individual develops liver cirrhosis, the risk for liver failure increases. Hepatitis B and C are also one the most common cause for liver cancer.
There are about 350 million individuals in the world with hepatitis B and another 60 million with hepatitis C. More than two-thirds of these individuals are not aware that they are infected. These individuals are at risk of developing advanced liver disease and liver cancer.
Fortunately there is a vaccine that can prevent hepatitis B infection and many countries routinely give it to all newborn. Hepatitis B can also be well controlled with effective antiviral medications. However these medications need to be taken for a long time. While there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, treatment is quite effective and one can be cured of hepatitis C infection in just 8 – 12 weeks.
The biggest challenge is to detect individuals who have hepatitis B or C infection. A simple blood test is all that is needed. The message this year on World Hepatitis Day – Don’t wait. Get tested for hepatitis to protect yourself and your family.
If you have any questions please fell free to contact with us.