Causes, Types, Symptoms and Cure for Hepatitis - World Hepatitis Day 2016

A few days ago, it was World Hepatitis Day. Over 400 million people presently live with Hepatitis with up to 10 million new cases every year. The awareness of this disease is quite little, yet the disease is so deadly. It's mode of transmission is even more easier than that of AIDS; some types can be transmitted through sweat. Most of its cause are viral. Yet the knowledge of this disease is unknown to many. Let me shed some light on this hideous yet fatal disease.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a disease of the liver, usually an inflammation which can lead to an irreversible damage to the liver or cancer of the liver. Some types of hepatitis doesn't really affect the liver while some can lead to its breakdown.

What are the causes of Hepatitis?

Hepatitis can be caused by both viruses; which is common and other causes. The other causes are infections that affect the liver, use of toxic substances such as alcohol, drugs, and autoimmune diseases i.e. when your immune system goes wild and attacks the organs of your body.

What are the types of Hepatitis that we have?

There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. These 5 types are of greatest concern because of the burden of illness and death they cause and the potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread. In particular, types B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and, together, are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of parenteral contact with infected body fluids. Common modes of transmission for these viruses include receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment and for hepatitis B transmission from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child, and also by sexual contact. (WHO).

What are the common symptoms of Hepatitis?

Symptoms can be as simple and related to that of a mild flu or include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Is there a cure for Hepatitis?

For Hepatitis A and B, the victim gets better with time. She/he needs good food and a lot of rest during recuperation.

For Hepatitis C, a combination of drugs is prescribed for treatment.  

For Hepatitis D and E, there is no effective treatment currently available for these types.

How do I prevent myself from acquiring the disease?

Cook your food and boil water thoroughly before consuming.

Wash your hands with soap and water before cooking and eating.

Get vaccinated for Hepatitis; there are vaccines for Hepatitis A and B.

Never have unprotected sex with a casual partner.

Rinse raw foods thoroughly before eating or avoid if the environment is not safe.

Test all blood for Hepatitis before transfusion.

Be gentle with Alcohol intake and only take drugs with prescription.

Share this knowledge with friends and loved ones.

Get tested today; the earlier you know, the better.