World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to step up national and international efforts on hepatitis. World hepatitis day is celebrated July 28th of every year. key approaches will be to expand vaccination program for hepatitis B, focus on preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, improve injection, blood and surgical safety and increase access to diagnosis and treatment for hepatitis B and C.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It is most commonly caused by a viral infection. There are 5 main hepatitis virus referred to as type A, B, C, D and E. Other infections, alcohol and autoimmune disease can also cause hepatitis. Hepatitis can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Type A and type E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food and water. Type B, type C and type D usually occur as a result of parenteral contact with infected body fluids. Hepatitis B and C are the deadliest of all the viral hepatitis. Common modes of transmission for these viruses includes receipt of contaminated blood/blood product, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment, transmission from mother to baby at birth, family members to child and also by sexual contact.
Symptoms includes fatigue, dark urine, pale stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, flu-like symptoms, fever, yellow skin and eyes.
Hepatitis can be diagnosed through physical examination, liver biopsy, liver function tests, ultrasound, blood test and viral antibody testing.
Treatment option varies on the type of hepatitis you have and what caused the infection. Hepatitis A is not usually treated but vaccination can help prevent the infection. Type B doesn’t require specific treatment but chronic hepatitis B is treated with antiviral medications. Hepatitis B vaccines is also available and is recommended for all newborns, healthcare workers and medical personnel. Antiviral medications are used to treat hepatitis C. Type D is treated with x-interferon and type E has no specific medical therapy currently.
Nutrients and herbs useful in treating hepatitis includes; Milk thistle (helps to rebuild the liver), raw liver extract, glutathione, l-cysteine and l-methionine, lecithin shark liver oil, evening primrose oil, maitake, vitamin C and E, burdock and dandelion (for liver cleansing), licorice (has antiviral activity), goldenseal, green tea, red clover and yellow dock are also useful.
Then, avoid taking drugs metabolized by the liver (Glucocorticoids are not recommended), take high calorie diet, eat raw vegetables and fruits diet, take green drinks and carrot juice and avoid all fats, sugar and highly processed food.
Know hepatitis, get informed, are you at risk? Yes, anyone and everyone can be at risk.
Know hepatitis, take positive action to know your status by getting tested- the test can be complex and costly, about 95% of people with hepatitis are unaware of their infection.
Know hepatitis, demand treatment, you can be completely cured of hepatitis C within 3-6 months if you are infected.
Know hepatitis, get vaccinated to prevent hepatitis. Vaccinations are available for hepatitis A and B to reduce needless deaths from these preventable infections.
KNOW HEPATITIS! ACT NOW!!
