Hepatitis can be prevented !

Hepatitis in simple terms is a viral infection which is communicable in nature. It is spread through body contact and fluid exchange. Viral hepatitis can lead to serious liver problems and is the most common type of liver disease. Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver. The three types of hepatitis viruses — Hepatitis A,Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C — can all be prevented.

What do the doctors have to say? According to Dr. Subhash Gupta,Sr. Consultant,Liver Transplant,Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals,“Hepatitis is either waterborne or spread by blood. Hepatitis B and C are the most dangerous and can lead to chronic liver infection. Nearly 10% of Hepatitis B victims battle long-term liver infection and hepatitis C is very difficult to treat. In many cases,Hepatitis B causes irreparable liver damage,leading to death. The overriding reason for the spread is the lack of awareness of the disease and its prevention. One in 12 people worldwide are grappling with chronic Hepatitis. Availability of basic facilities like safe drinking water,proper sanitation,and healthcare services like Hepatitis B vaccination and safe blood transfusion is imperative to prevent Hepatitis.”

But how are these diseases caused? “Viral Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by a Virus. There are several different types of viruses which can cause viral hepatitis,” says Dr. Anupam Sibal Group Medical Director and Sr. Consultant Pediatrics,Gastroenterology and Hepatology,Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. He further adds,“While hepatitis A and E are spread through food and water,hepatitis B,C and D are spread through contaminated blood and blood products,infected needles,etc. Hepatitis A is the most viral hepatitis in children and causes a mild disease in the vast majority of children. In less than 1% of children it causes a serious disease including acute liver failure. Prevention is possible through avoiding consumption of contaminated food and water. Vaccination is also available.”