Viral Hepatitis: Understanding the Danger

 

~~ Dr. Wey George Danlami Consultant-Family Physician 

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by infectious viruses and non-infectious agents. There are five main strains: A, B, C, D, and E.

Key Facts

- 354 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C

- Hepatitis B and C lead to chronic disease, liver cirrhosis, and cancer

- Vaccination can prevent some types of hepatitis

- WHO aims to reduce new infections by 90% and deaths by 65% by 2030

Hepatitis A

- Spread through contaminated food and water or direct contact

- Can cause mild to severe illness

- Vaccine available

- Recovery usually occurs within weeks or months

Hepatitis B

- Spread through contact with infected body fluids

- Can cause acute and chronic disease

- Vaccine available

- Chronic infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer

Hepatitis 

- Spread through contact with infected blood

- Can cause acute and chronic disease

- No vaccine available

- Antiviral medications can cure over 95% of cases

Prevention and Treatment

- Vaccination for hepatitis A and B

- Safe medical practices

- Avoid sharing needles or equipment

- Antiviral medications for hepatitis C

- Early detection and treatment can prevent serious liver damage

Recommendations

- Blood donor screening

- Testing for high-risk groups

- Linkage to care and treatment services

- Increased awareness and education

AWARENESS:

Hepatitis Awareness: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Hepatitis is a silent killer, spreading faster than cancer, and affecting millions worldwide. It's essential to know the risks, prevention methods, and take action to protect yourself and your loved ones.

_Treatment Options_

Hepatitis A:

1. Rest and hydration

2. Healthy diet

3. Avoid heavy exercise

4. No specific medication, but hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases

Hepatitis B:

1. Antiviral medications (e.g., tenofovir, entecavir)

2. Interferon therapy

3. Liver transplant in severe cases

4. Monitoring for liver damage and cancer

Hepatitis C

1. Direct-acting antiviral medications (DAAs)

2. Combination therapy (e.g., sofosbuvir, ledipasvir)

3. Monitoring for liver damage and cancer

4. Liver transplant in severe cases

_Prevention Methods_

Common Prevention Methods:

1. Vaccination (hepatitis A and B)

2. Practice safe sex

3. Avoid sharing needles or equipment

4. Use condoms

5. Get tested for hepatitis

6. Avoid sharing personal items (e.g., razors, toothbrushes)

7. Ensure proper sterilization of medical equipment

8. Avoid tattooing or piercing with unlicensed practitioners

Hepatitis A-Specific Prevention:

1. Wash hands frequently

2. Avoid contaminated food and water

3. Cook food thoroughly

4. Avoid raw or undercooked shellfish

Hepatitis B-Specific Prevention:

1. Test pregnant women for hepatitis B

2. Administer hepatitis B vaccine to newborns

3. Avoid contact with infected bodily fluids

Hepatitis C-Specific Prevention:

1. Avoid sharing needles or equipment

2. Use sterile equipment for tattooing and piercing

3. Practice safe sex

_Fitness and Wellness_

General Tips:

1. Maintain a healthy weight

2. Exercise regularly (consult doctor)

3. Eat a balanced diet

4. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

5. Manage stress

6. Get enough sleep

7. Stay hydrated

Liver-Friendly Foods:

1. Leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale)

2. Fresh fruits (e.g., berries, citrus)

3. Whole grains (e.g., brown rice, quinoa)

4. Lean proteins (e.g., chicken, fish)

5. Healthy fats (e.g., avocado, olive oil)

Foods to Avoid:

1. Processed meats

2. Fried foods

3. High-sugar foods

4. Foods high in saturated fats

5. Raw or undercooked shellfish

Understand the Risks:

1. Hepatitis B and C are more infectious than HIV.

2. Hepatitis can lead to liver cirrhosis, cancer, and death.

3. 1 in 5 Nigerians is infected with hepatitis B or C.

Prevention Methods:

1. Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

2. Practice safe sex (use condoms).

3. Avoid sharing needles, razors, or personal items.

4. Ensure proper sterilization of medical equipment.

5. Wash hands frequently.

6. Avoid contaminated food and water.

7. Cook food thoroughly.

8. Avoid raw or undercooked shellfish.

Additional Tips:

1. Get tested for hepatitis.

2. Know your status.

3. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

4. Maintain a healthy weight.

5. Exercise regularly.

6. Eat a balanced diet.

Protect Your Family:

1. Ensure newborns receive hepatitis B vaccination.

2. Test pregnant women for hepatitis B.

3. Educate children on hepatitis prevention.

Seek Medical Attention

If you experience symptoms like:

1. Yellowing of eyes and skin (jaundice)

2. Dark urine

3. Fatigue

4. Abdominal pain

5. Loss of appetite

Remember:

Hepatitis is preventable, but ignorance is not an excuse. Take responsibility for your health and spread awareness.

Regards

TakeMyGist™®

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