Hepatitis: Prevention is better than cure?
Speaking of Hepatitis, how many are aware of
the different types of virus? Do you know how they are spread or contracted and
the resulting damage? What about vaccination or treatment? And how can you
protect yourself against it?
Awareness
is less in comparison to AIDS
There is a growing awareness in urban areas
but in rural areas it’s still lacking. Awareness about Hepatitis still lags
behind in comparison with public knowledge for HIV, says Dr Jay Kotecha,
Gastroenterologist, SRV Hospital adding that Hepatitis carries less morbidity
and mortality when compared to HIV and so acceptance by the masses is less.
Why
you shouldn’t ignore Hepatitis?
Viral Hepatitis can cause a full spectrum of
health issues ranging from acute illness (Hepatitis A, E, B) to cirrhosis and
liver cancer (Hepatitis B and C), informs Dr Amit Gupte, Consultant
Gastroenterologist & Hepatology, Wockhardt Hospitals. He adds that detected
early before permanent liver damage sets in and timely treatment can prevent
disease progression and can be life saving.
Mumbaikars
are prone to Hepatitis A and E
Mumbaikars are prone to Hepatitis A and E,
especially in the monsoons during June to September, says Dr Gupte adding that
these spread through contaminated food and water and poor hygiene. They usually
cause a self-limited illness with low fever, tiredness, loss of appetite. Some
of the patients develop yellow eyes and urine (jaundice). Recovery usually
starts in a week or two. Rarely, liver failure may develop. Hence, a close
medical watch on the symptoms is needed to detect complications early.
Hepatitis A occurs predominantly in children and Hepatitis E affects both
children and adults. Hepatitis E causes severe disease in pregnant women
especially in last trimester of pregnancy, with high mortality rate. Vaccine is
available for Hepatitis A in two doses to be taken months apart. It is
available in most of the pharmacies at a cost of about Rupees 900 to 1,500.
Protect
yourself against Hepatitis B and D
Hepatitis B is spread through contaminated
body fluids through blood transmission (from an infected person to a healthy
person), unsafe sexual practices, sharing needles to inject drugs and sharing
non-sterlised surgical instruments. Dr Kotecha routinely encounters Hepatitis B
more than other forms of viral hepatitis. “These patients are mostly in their
50s who come with advanced liver disease. Though the virus is eliminated from
the body within three to six months in healthy persons, but the liver damage
continues and is irreversible. Hepatitis D is not routinely encountered on its
own and is seen along with Hepatitis B,” he informs and therefore, advises even
normal healthy individuals to get vaccinated. Today the cost of these vaccines
are subsidised by the government and quite affordable cost around Rupees 100
and is available at chemist shops. There’s three dosages to be taken at
intervals of one month and six months. Also, government hospitals administer it
for free.
Hepatitis
C is more aggressive
Hepatitis C is more or less transmitted in
similar ways to Hepatitis B, but the former is more aggressive and can lead to
severe liver damage, liver cancer and liver failure. And the bad news here is
that there’s no vaccine to prevent it, however treatment is available in the
form of medications and injections, informs Dr Kotecha.
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