These are the top causes of Hepatitis and some prevention measures

• Every year on July 28, we commemorate World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness about viral hepatitis (an inflammation of the liver)
• The WHO has witnessed a sharp drop — to just 1% in 2019 — in the proportion of children under five years of age chronically infected with hepatitis B (HBV).
• However, the coronavirus pandemic has hampered the progress of efforts being made to reduce HBV.
• WHO projects about 5.3 million additional chronic HBV infections among children born between 2020 and 2030.
• Here’s a look at the top causes of Hepatitis and causes for transmission

Every year on July 28, we commemorate ‘World Hepatitis Day’ to raise awareness about the infectious disease and precautions that one can take to avoid it. World Health Organisations’ (WHO) theme for this year is “Hepatitis-free future”, with special focus on preventing hepatitis B among mothers and newborns.

The WHO has witnessed a sharp drop — to just 1% in 2019 — in the proportion of children under five years of age chronically infected with hepatitis B (HBV).

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has hampered the progress of efforts being made to reduce HBV. WHO projects about 5.3 million additional chronic HBV infections among children born between 2020 and 2030. WHO also estimates that about a million children might die because of HBV.


What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. Primarily caused by a virus, this can lead to scarring of the liver, and in extreme cases even liver cancer. There are other causes for spread of hepatitis as well - other infections, toxic substances, alcohol, drugs, and autoimmune diseases. There are five main types of Hepatitis — A,B, C, D, E — caused by different types of hepatitis viruses. Of these, Hepatitis B, C and E lead to long term illness and are often termed as chronic hepatitis. ‘

What causes Hepatitis?
Business Insider spoke with Dr. Ahmad, Senior Consultant, Minimal Invasive Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Gastrosurgery, Medeor Hospital regarding some of the common roots of transmission for Hepatitis B and C.

“Although each type of viral hepatitis is caused by a different virus and is spread in different ways, they all affect the liver and can cause serious health problems.” Dr Ahmad said.

According to Dr Ahmad, Hepatitis can spread through —

• Blood transfusions
• Mother to infant during childbirth (very common in hepatitis B; less common in hepatitis C)
• Needle stick injury
• Sharing straws, razors, toothbrushes or other household items
• Medical or dental interventions without adequate sterilisation of equipment
• In the case of hepatitis B, an infection can also occur through having unprotected sex with an infected person.

According to WHO, a person can be infected with Hepatitis A and E because of the ingestion of contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis - Signs and symptoms
In the case of chronic hepatitis, symptoms may not manifest in initial stages - and are likely to reflect in later stages once the damage affects the liver function. However, signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis appear quickly. They symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Flu-like symptoms
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice

In case you think you have witnessed any of the mentioned symptoms, it is suggested you visit a doctor and strictly follow all the adviceadvice given to you.

Measures and precautions to avoid Hepatitis
Hepatitis can be prevented using Hepatitis A and B vaccine. WHO recommends that all newborns be administered with Hepatitis B vaccination. Hepatitis can be diagnosed with some tests.

A well balanced diet is key to help prevent any liver disease. One should also avoid consuming saturated fat, sugar and refined carbohydrates. Physical activities can also help greatly. Now that we are spending more time indoors, one can access some of the physical fitness apps that provide workout routines.

Doctors also recommend not sharing toothbrushes, nail clippers, razors etc which can carry viruses from one person to another.

What can people with Hepatitis do in times of COVID-19?
Covid-19 infection does cause liver inflammation, increases liver enzymes and can also cause liver dysfunction. Hence, patients with chronic hepatitis B or C without cirrhosis should follow standard precautions for and safeguard themselves against coronavirus infection. People with Hepatitis are advised to follow measures like washing hands, monitoring liver enzymes regularly and taking extra precautions.

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