World Hepatitis Day is here on 28 July, 2013 for spreading awareness worldwide on chronic viral hepatitis and it also supports those people who have hepatitis B or C, the two life threatening liver diseases. The aim is to increase the awareness amongst people and also understanding the causes of viral hepatitis. There are approximately 500 million people-1 in 12 worldwide- are affected with either hepatitis B or C. Chronic and acute liver inflammation and infection are caused by hepatitis viruses such as A, B, C, D and E. Liver cancer and cirrhosis are the two serious diseases caused by these viruses.
Every year there is a different theme for hepatitis day. “This is hepatitis” and “Get Tested” are the two past themes. This year’s theme is “This is hepatitis. Know it. Confront it”. The purpose of this year’s theme is to emphasize the fact that hepatitis is still unknown as a health threat in a large part of the world. The other major issue is that most people are unaware that they are carrying chronic infection viruses of hepatitis B or C. About 1 million people die every year from causes associated with viral hepatitis, liver cancer and cirrhosis.
Specific Actions Highlighted by World Hepatitis Day
- Coordination of a global response is essential for viral hepatitis.
- The vaccination coverage for hepatitis B and integration of the vaccine into national immunization programs should be increased.
- Controlling and preventing of viral hepatitis and its associated diseases.
Types of Hepatitis
- Hepatitis A: This type is caused by consuming infected food or by drinking infected water. Hepatitis A does not result in any chronic disease.
- Hepatitis B: This type is basically a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Hepatitis B virus causes this type that can spread by contact with infected semen, blood and some other fluids.
- Hepatitis C: This type is spread from a direct contact with an infected person. Hepatitis C Virus causes this type. It has been seen that about 20% of hepatitis C people also suffer from cirrhosis.
- Hepatitis D: People who are already suffering from hepatitis B can also get infected with hepatitis D. Hepatitis D virus causes this type. Any contact with perforation of the skin, infected blood and unprotected sex leads to infection. The swelling of the liver is caused by hepatitis D.
- Hepatitis E: Anyone can get infected by drinking water containing hepatitis E virus.
Acute Phase Symptoms of Hepatitis
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Joint or muscle aches
- Mild fever
- Vomiting
- Little abdominal pain
Advance Symptoms
- Itchy skin
- Circulation problems
- Whites of eyes, yellow skin, tongue (jaundice)
- Drowsiness
- Hives
- Dark urine
- Light colored feces that may contain pus
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Enlarged spleen
Treatment for Hepatitis
Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A has no specific treatment. A patient is only advised to abstain from drugs and alcohol during the recovery period. A large number of hepatitis A patients will recover spontaneously.
Hepatitis B: It is advised to take rest for patients with hepatitis B. A special diet that is high in carbohydrate and protein is required to be followed. This diet helps in repairing damaged cells and it also protects the liver. If diet does not help then interferon (an antiviral agent) is prescribed.
Hepatitis C: Ribavirin and pegylated interferon are prescribed for patients suffering from hepatitis C. The consumption of vitamin B12 supplements benefits those patients who are suffering from chronic hepatitis C and are receiving standard HCV treatments. This increases the ability of the body to fight the virus.
Hepatitis D or E: There is no effective treatment for hepatitis D or E.
Non-Viral Hepatitis: It is essential to remove the harmful substance in case a person has non-viral hepatitis. This substance can be flushed out through the stomach either by inducing vomiting or by hyperventilation.
