Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores hepatitis, its types, causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies.
“Every year, 28 July celebrates World Hepatitis Day, a global effort to raise awareness of hepatitis,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B in the adult population of South Africa is estimated to be around 6.7%, making it a major contributor to liver-related diseases and deaths in the region.”
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, a vital organ that processes nutrition, filters blood, and fights infections. Inflammation of the liver can impair these functions, leading to severe health problems. Hepatitis can be acute, lasting less than six months, or chronic, lasting longer and potentially leading to liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
Types of Hepatitis
There are five types of viral hepatitis, each caused by a distinct virus.
Hepatitis A virus (HAV)
Transmission: Contaminated food or water, close contact with an infected person
Symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, stomach discomfort, lack of appetite, low-grade fever, and jaundice
Prevention: Vaccine, good hygiene practices, safe food and water consumption
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
Transmission: Contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions, through sharing needles, sexual contact, or from mother to baby at birth
Symptoms: Similar to hepatitis A, but more severe; chronic cases can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer
Prevention: Vaccine, safe sex practices, avoiding needle sharing, screening of pregnant women
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
Transmission: Blood-to-blood contact, primarily through sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment, less commonly through sexual contact
Symptoms: Often asymptomatic in early stages; chronic cases can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, and cancer
Prevention: No vaccine available; avoid sharing needles, ensure safe medical practices, screening of blood products
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) occurs only in those infected with hepatitis B.
Transmission: Similar to hepatitis B
Symptoms: More severe than hepatitis B alone; higher risk of chronic liver disease
Prevention: Hepatitis B vaccination (prevents hepatitis D by preventing hepatitis B)
Hepatitis E virus (HEV)
Transmission: Contaminated water, undercooked meat from infected animals
Symptoms: Similar to hepatitis A, often more severe in pregnant women
Prevention: Good sanitation, safe drinking water, proper cooking of meat
Non-Viral Hepatitis
Besides viral hepatitis, there are other forms caused by excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, toxins, and autoimmune diseases.
Alcoholic Hepatitis: Is caused by heavy alcohol use, leading to liver inflammation and damage.
Toxic Hepatitis: Resulting from exposure to harmful substances like drugs or chemicals.
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Occurs when the body’s immune system attacks liver cells, causing inflammation.
Symptoms of Hepatitis
Symptoms of hepatitis can vary, but common signs include feeling very tired and weak, flu-like symptoms such as fever and body aches, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), pain in the upper right region of the abdomen where the liver is located, dark urine, pale stools, and a loss of appetite along with nausea.
Diagnosing Hepatitis
Diagnosing hepatitis involves a combination of blood tests to detect liver inflammation, viruses, and liver function abnormalities, as well as imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be performed, where a small sample of liver tissue is examined to assess the extent of damage.
Treatment Options
The treatment for hepatitis depends on the type and severity of the condition:
Hepatitis A and E: Usually resolve independently with supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and a healthy diet.
Hepatitis B and D: Chronic cases may require antiviral medications to reduce liver damage.
Hepatitis C: Direct-acting antiviral medications can cure most cases.
Alcoholic and Toxic Hepatitis: Avoiding the causative substance and providing supportive care.
Autoimmune Hepatitis: Immunosuppressive medications to reduce immune system activity.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing hepatitis involves several strategies:
Vaccination: There are effective vaccinations for hepatitis A and B.
Safe Practices: Avoid sharing needles, practice safe sex, and ensure safe blood transfusions and medical procedures.
Hygiene: Regular handwashing, safe food preparation, and clean drinking water.
Avoid Alcohol and Toxins: Limit alcohol consumption and avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.
Conclusion
Hepatitis is a serious condition that can significantly impact your health. On this World Hepatitis Day, take a moment to learn about hepatitis, get vaccinated if recommended, and spread the word to help combat this global health threat. Your liver is vital to your overall well-being, so understanding and preventing hepatitis is crucial to a healthier life.