On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, HMC has planned a campaign to
raise awareness of hepatitis diseases in order to prevent new
infections and to help people living with the disease.
World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28.
According to the World Health Organisation, some 1.4mn deaths are attributed to hepatitis each year.
While it is possible for a person to have hepatitis without exhibiting any symptoms, some hepatitis viruses, most notably types B, C and D, can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis.
“Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The complexity of hepatitis disease lies in the existence of the different types of viruses. Hepatitis A and E are foodborne and waterborne infections which cause millions of cases of acute illness every year.
Whereas hepatitis B, C, and D are spread by infected body fluids, including blood, and have a greater health burden in terms of death because they can cause life-long infection,” HMC gastroenterology and hepatology consultant Dr Moutaz Derbala said.
Often people become infected with hepatitis A by eating or drinking contaminated food or water while hepatitis B and C are most commonly passed through blood and other bodily fluids.
“Symptoms of hepatitis A and B are similar and may include flu-like illness, nausea, abdominal pains, fever and feeling generally unwell.
Patients may also present with jaundice due to a build-up of the chemical bilirubin. Both forms of the disease are preventable through vaccination. There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection,” Dr Derbala added.
While hepatitis A and B generally do not require treatment as most healthy adults clear the infection spontaneously, chronic hepatitis B can be managed through drug therapy.
Conversely, if left untreated, hepatitis C can become chronic and cause scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis.
A liver transplant is the only cure for cirrhosis.
“Hepatitis C is a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. As there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, prevention of infections is very important. Preventative measures include avoiding drug abuse, sharing toothbrushes, razors and nail clippers,” Dr Derbala said, adding: “It is also important to use licensed tattoo and piercing studios.”
According to Dr Derbala, greater access to vaccine and treatment, and more public education, are needed to reduce the worldwide incidence of hepatitis.
“There is a real need, on a global level, to widen access to both vaccination and treatment for hepatitis. There is also a need to lessen the stigma around viral hepatitis by highlighting the prevalence and indiscriminate nature of the disease,” Dr Derbala added.
World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28.
According to the World Health Organisation, some 1.4mn deaths are attributed to hepatitis each year.
While it is possible for a person to have hepatitis without exhibiting any symptoms, some hepatitis viruses, most notably types B, C and D, can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis.
“Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The complexity of hepatitis disease lies in the existence of the different types of viruses. Hepatitis A and E are foodborne and waterborne infections which cause millions of cases of acute illness every year.
Whereas hepatitis B, C, and D are spread by infected body fluids, including blood, and have a greater health burden in terms of death because they can cause life-long infection,” HMC gastroenterology and hepatology consultant Dr Moutaz Derbala said.
Often people become infected with hepatitis A by eating or drinking contaminated food or water while hepatitis B and C are most commonly passed through blood and other bodily fluids.
“Symptoms of hepatitis A and B are similar and may include flu-like illness, nausea, abdominal pains, fever and feeling generally unwell.
Patients may also present with jaundice due to a build-up of the chemical bilirubin. Both forms of the disease are preventable through vaccination. There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection,” Dr Derbala added.
While hepatitis A and B generally do not require treatment as most healthy adults clear the infection spontaneously, chronic hepatitis B can be managed through drug therapy.
Conversely, if left untreated, hepatitis C can become chronic and cause scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis.
A liver transplant is the only cure for cirrhosis.
“Hepatitis C is a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. As there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, prevention of infections is very important. Preventative measures include avoiding drug abuse, sharing toothbrushes, razors and nail clippers,” Dr Derbala said, adding: “It is also important to use licensed tattoo and piercing studios.”
According to Dr Derbala, greater access to vaccine and treatment, and more public education, are needed to reduce the worldwide incidence of hepatitis.
“There is a real need, on a global level, to widen access to both vaccination and treatment for hepatitis. There is also a need to lessen the stigma around viral hepatitis by highlighting the prevalence and indiscriminate nature of the disease,” Dr Derbala added.
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