World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is observed every year on July 28th and brings the entire global populace together under a single theme to raise significant awareness about viral hepatitis, the different strains of the virus, characteristic symptoms of each strain, its prevention, and the necessity of early diagnosis and treatment.
This year’s theme for WHD is "One Life, One Liver,". The WHD 2023 theme mainly emphasises the importance of the liver for having a healthy life, as well as the significance to scale up viral hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment to optimise liver health, prevent liver disease from worsening further, and achieve hepatitis elimination goals by the year 2030.
Also Read: World Hepatitis Day 2022: Learn About The Significance And Importance Of Testing
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver that is primarily caused by hepatotropic viruses and sometimes even due to heavy alcohol abuse, chemicals or medicines. The disease can be both acute (recovery within a matter of a few weeks) or chronic (taking a long time to recover). There are five known types of hepatotropic viruses causing 5 types of Hepatitis; mainly, Hepatitis A virus (HAV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Hepatitis D virus (HDV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV). Each of these types of hepatitis has different characteristics, but symptoms can be similar.
Also Checkout: World Hepatitis Day: Act Now To Eliminate Hepatitis - Infographic
Can You Cure Hepatitis?
While there is no absolute cure for hepatitis, over the last few decades there have been huge strides in its prevention and treatment. Now, there are vaccines for both hepatitis A and B for initial stage detection and treatment. While hepatitis C is easily treated, the occurrence of Hepatitis D and E, are pretty rare.
But, the main defence against hepatitis is knowledge and understanding of how they spread and the way they affect our bodies so as to know how to treat and stop them. Unfortunately, there are still several myths and misconceptions doing rounds on the internet regarding this disease, and our best shot at dealing with this disease is by unmasking some of the common myths and exposing the facts about hepatitis.
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Common Myths And Facts About Hepatitis
#Myth 1:
Getting infected with hepatitis A gives you life-long immunity from other strains of the virus
Fact:
Untrue. In most cases, hepatitis A and E are short-term infections with patients usually recovering within a few weeks of diagnosis. However, those who have had this infection will have lifelong protection only against the hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis C (HEV) virus strain, but they are still at risk for other strains of the virus like any normal individual with no history.
#Myth 2:
Hepatitis is a hereditary condition that can be passed from parent to child.
Fact:
False. While hepatitis B can surely get passed on from mother to child during the birthing process, specifically due to contact with body fluids, it is not a genetic factor and cannot be inherited. Transmission of the virus from the mother to the baby can be prevented if she knows her HBV status and gets a dose of immunoglobulin within 12 hours before the delivery process.
#Myth 3:
A person infected with Hepatitis can infect you by kissing or spitting on your eyes.
Fact:
Partially True! While it is unlikely for one to get infected through saliva, Hepatitis viruses can get transmitted through specific routes, including blood-to-blood contact, unsafe injection practices, sexual contact, and mother-to-child transmission during childbirth.
#Myth 4:
Hepatitis only affects certain groups of people.
Fact:
Erroneous! Hepatitis can easily affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or ethnicity. While certain groups, such as injection drug users, healthcare workers, and those with multiple sexual partners, may be at a higher incidence of transmission of the virus, anyone can be susceptible to the hepatotropic virus strains through exposure to infected blood or body fluids, unsafe sexual practices, or contaminated food and water.
#Myth 5:
With no cure available, Hepatitis is a death sentence.
Fact:
Untrue. While hepatitis can have severe consequences if left untreated, early detection, proper management, and access to appropriate healthcare can significantly improve outcomes and slow down its progression. Antiviral medications are commonly used for chronic hepatitis B and C, and vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B to prevent infection.
