Every year, World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28th, bringing global attention to a silent threat that still claims over a million lives annually. Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, continues to be a major public health concern affecting millions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), viral hepatitis claims the lives of around 1.3 million people every year. Despite remarkable advances in medicine, a significant percentage of people living with hepatitis remain unaware of their infection until severe complications develop. Raising awareness about hepatitis, its causes, types, and prevention strategies is essential in the fight to eliminate this disease.

On this World Hepatitis Day, Adhikari Lifeline Multispeciality Hospital in Boisar joins the global effort to spread awareness and promote liver health. Understanding what hepatitis is, how it spreads, and how you can protect yourself can empower you and your loved ones to lead healthier, safer lives. Let’s begin.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, a vital organ responsible for filtering toxins, supporting digestion, storing nutrients, and regulating metabolism. When the liver becomes inflamed or damaged, its ability to function efficiently is compromised. The primary effect of hepatitis is disruption of liver functions, which can have far-reaching consequences for the entire body.

The inflammation can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting). Acute hepatitis tends to resolve with the removal of the cause or with proper treatment. Chronic hepatitis, on the other hand, can persist for years, leading to progressive liver damage, scarring (cirrhosis), and increased risk of liver cancer. Importantly, many people with hepatitis—especially in the initial stages—may have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they might include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and dark urine.

Hepatitis can result from several causes, not just viruses. Certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption, autoimmune diseases (where the immune system attacks the liver), toxins, and metabolic conditions can all lead to different forms of hepatitis. For most people, however, the conversation on hepatitis focuses on viral hepatitis, which is both highly prevalent and largely preventable.

Types of Hepatitis

There are several types of hepatitis, both infectious and non-infectious, but the most commonly discussed types are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each caused by distinct viruses.

• Hepatitis A: It is often contracted through consumption of contaminated food or water. It usually causes acute illness, and most people recover fully without long-term liver damage. The disease can be prevented by vaccination and proper sanitation.
• Hepatitis B: It is transmitted through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or from mother to child during childbirth. While some only develop acute infection, many progress to chronic hepatitis B, especially when infected at birth or during early childhood. Chronic hepatitis B raises the risk of serious liver complications. Vaccination is highly effective for prevention.
• Hepatitis C: It spreads mainly through blood-to-blood contact, such as using contaminated needles, blood transfusions, or unsterilized medical instruments. Unlike hepatitis B, no vaccine exists for hepatitis C. A significant number of those infected develop chronic liver disease, though new antiviral treatments can offer a cure.
• Hepatitis D: It only occurs alongside hepatitis B infection, as it requires the hepatitis B virus to replicate. It is rare and preventable through hepatitis B vaccination.
• Hepatitis E is similar to hepatitis A in its transmission, mainly through contaminated water. It often resolves on its own but can be severe in pregnant women.

Non-infectious hepatitis types include alcoholic hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and drug-induced hepatitis, all of which require different approaches for diagnosis and management.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Understanding how hepatitis is contracted is crucial for prevention and early detection. The leading causes vary depending on the type of hepatitis, but several risk factors are common across different forms:

• Contaminated Food and Water: Hepatitis A and E are primarily spread through ingesting contaminated food or water, often in areas with poor sanitation.
• Blood and Bodily Fluids: Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through exposure to infected blood, unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth.
• Unsafe Medical Practices: Use of unsterilized equipment for tattoos, body piercings, or dental procedures can increase risk, as can transfusions with unscreened blood.
• Substance Use: Injecting drugs using shared or contaminated needles is a major risk factor for hepatitis B and C.
• Unprotected Sexual Contact: Engaging in unprotected sex, especially with multiple partners or with someone who has hepatitis, increases the risk of hepatitis B and, to a lesser extent, hepatitis C.
• Occupational Exposure: Healthcare workers and others regularly exposed to blood and bodily fluids are at a higher risk if they lack proper workplace protections.
• Chronic Alcohol Use and Toxins: Heavy drinking can cause alcoholic hepatitis, while certain toxins and medications can also inflame the liver.
• Autoimmune Conditions: In some cases, the body’s immune system attacks the liver, leading to autoimmune hepatitis.

Populations most at risk include infants born to infected mothers, people who inject drugs, patients on kidney dialysis, those with multiple sexual partners, travelers to regions with poor sanitation, and healthcare providers handling blood or bodily fluids.

How You Can Prevent Hepatitis

Although hepatitis is widespread, it is highly preventable. Taking precautions and staying informed are the key steps toward protection, both for yourself and those around you.

1. Vaccination: Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B, offering long-lasting protection. Children, healthcare workers, travelers, and individuals at risk should ensure they are vaccinated as per medical guidelines. The hepatitis B vaccine also protects against hepatitis D.
2. Safe Food and Water Practices: Drink clean, filtered water and avoid consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish. In areas of low sanitation, use bottled or boiled water and ensure proper hygiene in food handling.
3. Practice Safe Sex: Use condoms and ensure both you and your partner have been screened for hepatitis, especially before engaging in unprotected sex.
4. Avoid Sharing Sharp Objects: Never share razors, toothbrushes, needles, or any objects that might come into contact with blood, including tattoo or piercing equipment.
5. Healthcare Safety: If you need a medical or dental procedure, ensure the facility follows strict sterilization protocols. Prefer blood transfusions from verified and safe blood banks.
6. Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.
7. Avoid Excessive Alcohol: Limit or eliminate alcohol intake to protect your liver from alcoholic hepatitis and chronic liver disease.
8. Screening and Early Detection: Regular screening for hepatitis should be a part of preventive healthcare, especially for vulnerable groups. Early detection allows timely management and reduces the risk of complications.

Preventive strategies not only protect you personally but also help stop the spread of hepatitis within your community. Staying informed and vigilant can make a lifesaving difference.

Take Charge of Your Liver Health

Your liver is vital to your overall health, don’t wait for symptoms to arise before you take action! This World Hepatitis Day, empower yourself and your loved ones by prioritizing screening, prevention, and expert care. At Adhikari Lifeline Multispeciality Hospital in Boisar, we are committed to your well-being with comprehensive hepatitis screening, state-of-the-art liver care, and a wide range of preventive health checkups.

Our hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology and a highly qualified team of doctors and surgeons. Whether you need a routine checkup, detailed liver assessment, or expert advice on vaccinations and preventive measures, we offer individualized care tailored to your needs.

Don’t let hepatitis remain undetected. Early diagnosis and management are key to a healthy future. Schedule your hepatitis screening and liver health assessment today!