Blog Details
On July 28, World Hepatitis Day (WHD) takes place and brings the world together under a single theme to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change. One of just four disease-specific global awareness days officially endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), WHD unites patient organizations, governments, medical professionals, civil society, industry and the general public to boost the global profile of viral hepatitis.
Viral hepatitis is one of the leading causes of death globally, accounting for 1.34 million deaths per year. Viral hepatitis is not found in one location nor amongst one set of people; it is truly global epidemic that can affect millions of people without them even being aware. 90% of hepatitis B and 80% hepatitis c patients are not aware of their status. This can result in the real possibility of developing fatal liver disease at some point in their lives and in some cases, unknowingly transmitting the infection to others. With effective vaccines and treatments for hepatitis B and a cure for hepatitis C, the elimination of hepatitis is achievable, but greater awareness and understanding of the disease and the risks is a must, as is access to cheaper diagnostics and treatment.
Hepatitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments;
The word hepatitis comes from the Ancient Greek word ‘Hepar’ (root word Hepat) meaning ‘liver’, and the Latin it is meaning inflammation. Hepatitis means injury to the liver with inflammation of the liver cells. There are five main types of hepatitis and the type is commonly determined by a laboratory test.Hepatitis A is caused by consuming contaminated food or water.Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease.Hepatitis C is commonly spread via direct contact with the blood of a person who has the disease.A person can only become infected with hepatitis D if they are already infected with hepatitis B.Person can become infected with the hepatitis E virus (HEV) by drinking contaminated water.
Symptoms of Hepatitis:The initial phase of hepatitis is called the acute phase. The symptoms are like a mild flu, and may include:
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Mild fever
Muscle or joint aches
Nausea
Slight abdominal pain
Vomiting
Weight loss.
Precautions: Good hygiene practices
Hand washing
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
The correct handling and disposal of sharps and other potentially infectious waste
Routine cleaning
Prevention:There are safe and effective vaccines that protect you from getting hepatitis A and B. While there is no vaccine for C, by being ‘blood aware’ you can reduce your overall chance of being exposed to the virus.
Being Blood Aware:Being blood aware doesn’t mean having to be fanatical about avoiding contact with other people’s blood. It simply means taking reasonable steps to reduce the overall chance of being exposed to blood-borne viruses (such as viral hepatitis and HIV). Blood awareness applies when dealing with blood or other body fluid accidents, whether the people involved are known to have hepatitis or not.
Your skin is your ‘first line of defence’ against infections. Make sure you have no uncovered cuts, abrasions or dermatitis when giving first aid.
Wear disposable gloves when dealing with any blood or other bodily fluids
Disposable materials (e.g. paper towels) should be used when cleaning up blood or other bodily fluid spills or splashes.
Any surfaces which have had blood or other bodily fluid splashes should be cleaned with detergent and water
Vaccination against infections such as hepatitis A and B are important
When giving resuscitation in the event of a first aid emergency, use safe practices (such as using a mouth shield).
