Each year 28th July is celebrated as the World Hepatitis Day to spread awareness about Vial Hepatitis that leads to inflammation of the liver cells thereby causing severe liver disease and liver cancer. Viral hepatitis A, B, C, D& E are the ones that infect the human liver cells, A&E being transmitted feco-orally and B, C and D are transmitted parenterally (via blood).
On World Hepatitis Day 2022, WHO has highlighted the need for bringing Hepatitis care closer to the primary health facilities and communities so that people have better access to treatment and care, no matter what type of hepatitis they may have.
The world is currently facing a new outbreak of unexplained acute Hepatitis infections affecting children. This outbreak brings our attention to thousands of acute viral hepatitis infections that occur among children, adolescents and adults every year. Most acute Hepatitis infections cause mild disease and even go undetected. Global efforts prioritize the elimination of the Hepatitis infections B, C and D infections.
Unlike acute viral hepatitis, these 3 infections cause chronic hepatitis that lasts for several decades and culminate in over 1 million deaths per year from cirrhosis and liver cancer. These 3 types of chronic hepatitis infections are responsible for over 95% of hepatitis deaths.
The viral hepatitis infection is a cause of serious concern and the WHO aims to reduce the burden of new hepatitis B and C by 90% in the coming years. In its effort to do so the world health organization had laid down the path to reduce hepatitis deaths from liver cirrhosis and cancer by 65%, ensure that at least 90% of the people infected with hepatitis B and C are diagnosed well in time and 80% of the patients who require treatment receive appropriate treatment. We as individuals should be aware about these treatable viral infections so that timely diagnosis and treatment can help save lives.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. It is commonly the result of a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis.
These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.
The five main viral classifications of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. A different virus is responsible for each type of viral hepatitis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 354 millionTrusted Source people currently live with chronic hepatitis B and C globally.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is the result of an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is an acute, short-term disease.
Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B. This is often an ongoing, chronic condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 826,000Trusted Source people are living with chronic hepatitis B in the United States and around 257 million people worldwide.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is among the most common bloodborne viral infections in the United States and typically presents as a long-term condition.
According to the CDC, approximately 2.4 million AmericansTrusted Source are currently living with a chronic form of this infection.
Hepatitis D
This is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. The hepatitis D virus (HDV) causes liver inflammation like other strains, but a person cannot contract HDV without an existing hepatitis B infection.
Globally, HDV affects almost 5 percentTrusted Source of people with chronic hepatitis B.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease that results from exposure to the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply.
This disease is uncommonTrusted Source in the United States, according to the CDC.
Hepatitis E is usually acute but can be particularly dangerous in pregnant women.
How hepatitis is treated.
Treatment options will vary by the type of hepatitis you have and whether the infection is acute or chronic.
Hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A is a short-term illness and may not require treatment. However, if symptoms cause a great deal of discomfort, bed rest may be necessary. In addition, if you experience vomiting or diarrhea, your doctor may recommend a dietary program to maintain your hydration and nutrition.
Hepatitis B.
There is no specific treatment program for acute hepatitis B.
However, if you have chronic hepatitis B, you will requireTrusted Source antiviral medications. This form of treatment can be costly, as you may have to continue it for several months or years.
Treatment for chronic hepatitis B also requires regular medical evaluations and monitoring to determine if the virus is responding to treatment.
Hepatitis C.
Antiviral medications can treat both acute and chronic forms of hepatitis C.
Typically, people who develop chronic hepatitis C will use a combination of antiviral drug therapies. They may also need further testing to determine the best form of treatment.
People who develop cirrhosis or liver disease due to chronic hepatitis C may be candidates for a liver transplant.
Hepatitis D.
The WHOTrusted Source lists pegylated interferon alpha as a treatment for hepatitis D. However, this medication can have severe side effects. As a result, it’s not recommended for people with cirrhosis liver damage, those with psychiatric conditions, and people with autoimmune diseases.
Hepatitis E.
Currently, no specific medical therapies are availableTrusted Source to treat hepatitis E. Because the infection is often acute, it typically resolves on its own.
Doctors will typically advise people with this infection to get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, get enough nutrients, and avoid alcohol. However, pregnant women who develop this infection require close monitoring and care.
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