It’s World Hepatitis Day!
The annual World Hepatitis Day provides us with an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of knowing your hepatitis status and to spread the word about prevention and treatment.
The following are key facts and information about Hepatitis:
Hepatitis means the inflammation of the liver. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy intake of alcohol, toxins, some medications and certain medical conditions can cause Hepatitis.
Hepatitis is characterised by the inflammation of the liver tissues.
WHO estimates about 354 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C, and for most, testing and treatment remain beyond reach.
There are five (5) main types of Hepatitis:
Hepatitis A (HAV): is found in the faeces of those infected people.
Hepatitis B (HBV): is spread through infected body fluids.
Hepatitis C (HCV): is the most serious type and spreads through the blood.
Hepatitis D (HDV): can be contracted if you already have Hepatitis B (HBV).
Hepatitis E (HEV): is transmitted via food or water.
Hepatitis B & C lead to chronic liver diseases and over the most common cause of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer & viral Hepatitis – related deaths.
The most common type of Hepatitis is Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B virus enters the body through a break in the skin or mucous membrane or by injection into the bloodstream.
Symptoms of Hepatitis include fatigue, fever, nausea & vomiting, pale stool, abdominal pain, dark urine, loss of appetite and signs of jaundice.
Hepatitis can be transmitted through contaminated food & water, transfusion of infected blood and unsterilised equipment.
Everyone must prioritise testing, early vaccination and treatment for a Hepatitis-free future!
Duchess Hospital has testing and monitoring facilities for managing the various forms of Hepatitis. We also offer specialist services via our in-house Consultant Gastroenterologist that addresses Hepatitis related concerns.
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