World Hepatitis Day 2022: Viruses which are transmitted by contaminated food & Water

World Hepatitis Day 2022: Hepatitis causing viruses are important cause of liver disease that we see in day to day practice. Hepatitis A, B C, E account for majority of viral hepatitis. These can be grouped based on mode of transmission.

Hepatitis A & E.

These infections  are confined to backward & developing parts of the world where the sanitary & hygiene standards are low.

Persons who contract these viral infections initially experience fever, malaise, head ache , body aches followed by nausea, vomiting , decreased appetite culminating into jaundice.

The course of illness is relatively milder with faster recovery in children.

Adults who contract these infections have more severe symptoms and take longer time to recover, often upto 06 months. Generally these type of viral hepatitis are self limiting and recover without any residual effects and does not require any medication.

These viruses does cause chronic liver disease or cirrhosis.

Very few patients develop fulminant hepatic failure.

Use of herbal  extracts and other complementary  / Alternative treatment methods, imposing dietary restrictions does not facilitate early recovery and may cause  undesirable side effects. Hence,  such practices should not be encouraged.

Hepatitis A: This is an endemic infection affecting predominantly children. Its spread is can be seen in hostels & communities and infections does occur round the year.

Unvaccinated Adults who contract this infection have more severe course of illness and it will take much longer time to recover often upto 06 months in some cases.

Those with underlying liver disease can develop liver failure which can be fatal.

Vaccine is available to prevent this type of viral hepatitis. All children and adults travelling to endemic areas should be vaccinated against hepatitis A.

Hepatitis E: It often occurs as sporadic infections. All age groups are susceptible. This type of viral infection is typically seen during monsoon season, floods , pilgrimage, large social gatherings etc.

Pregnant women & chronic liver disease patients can have severe course of illness and can be fatal.

As of now,   vaccine is not available against Hepatitis E.

Viruses which are transmitted by Blood & Body fluids contaminated with blood: 

                               Hepatitis B & C.

These infections are contracted from infected patients via contaminated blood & blood products, improperly sterilized surgical equipment & needles, unprotected & traumatic sexual activity, Mother to child during delivery, sharing of needles for IV drug abuse, sharing of toothbrushes and razors etc.

These infections are not contracted by cohabitating with an infected person. Generally these viral infections does not cause any symptoms after contraction of virus. 

Most people are unaware of their infection and is detected only during blood screening for voluntary blood donation or for any other reason  and during evaluation for chronic liver disease. Many people act as chronic carriers. However in some these viral infections can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer 2 to  3 decades after the initial infection. Persons with these viral infections should be under regular follow up with their health care provider.

Hepatitis B: It is a preventable disease i.e. Effective vaccine is available to prevent this infection. Everyone should get tested for this virus and those with a negative test should get vaccinated as per schedule.
There is no effective treatment to completely eradicate this type of viral hepatitis, however there are medicines to keep the virus under check so as to prevent liver damage. Hence persons with this infection should be under periodic follow up with their healthcare providers.

Hepatitis C: Though it is not a preventable condition, it can be cleared from the body i.e effective medication is available to completely cure the infection. Contact your healthcare provider for disease assessment and effective cure.

On this world Hepatitis day,

Viral Hepatitis can’t wait to infect us.

We can’t wait to get tested for viral hepatitis.

Persons not infected with hepatitis can’t wait to get vaccinated.

Newborn children can’t wait to get vaccinated.

Persons infected with viral hepatitis can’t wait to get treated.