While Covid -19 has impacted treatment of almost all ailments, the sheer magnitude of hepatitis affected people calls for increased awareness and action for early diagnosis and treatment. World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on 28 July and this year the theme is ‘Hepatitis Can’t Wait’.
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver and there are five types of hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis A and E are caused due to transmission from contaminated water while B, C and D are transmitted through blood and fluids. Some of the other things that can cause hepatitis are re-use of needles, razors, unprotected sex etc . Toxic substances , alcohol , certain drugs can trigger this condition. If timely diagnosis and treatment is not done it can lead to serious conditions including liver cirrhosis and even cancer.
Symptoms to watch out for include fever, nausea, diarrhea that may be seen preceding jaundice. Diagnosis is done through blood tests. Many a time there may not be symptoms early on and these people get diagnosed incidentally. That is why elimination of this virus may take a long time .People can get themselves vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B . The number of people with fatty liver or Non –alcoholic fatty liver is increasing due to wrong choices of diet and lack of exercise resulting in sedentary lifestyle.
Such people should be especially vigilant and try to opt for healthier lifestyle to avoid severe impact of these viruses on liver. But the good thing is hepatitis is treatable if one acts in time. Any symptom, one must consult the doctor. Leading a good lifestyle will go a long way in avoiding severe impact of these viruses on liver.
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Considering the worrying magnitude of those getting affected with hepatitis , it is time to act now , – We can’t wait to act on viral hepatitis.
