World’s Hepatitis Day: Everything You Need To Know

Hepatitis, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, are a group of distinct diseases that affect the liver. Each has different symptoms and treatments. Some causes of hepatitis include recreational drugs and prescription medications. Going for laboratory tests is very necessary and can help can determine hepatitis types.

Hepatitis Are Not Always Deadly

Hepatitis most times leads to life-threatening issues and complications if not detected early. Nevertheless, proper treatment and management can largely reduce these complications.

It is essential to diagnose the cause of hepatitis before deciding on whether you have a more serious and irreversible type.

Vaccines Are Not 100% Protection

The hepatitis vaccine helps the immune system to learn how to combat the virus if there is an infection. There is only a vaccine for Hepatitis A and B viruses. However, there is no suitable vaccine yet for hepatitis C.

When it comes to other infectious and non-infectious types of hepatitis, these vaccines are not effective. Therefore, you can develop hepatitis through other means even if you had the hepatitis A and/or B vaccines.

Sometimes There Are No Hepatitis Symptoms

It is possible to have hepatitis and have little to no symptoms for a long period. In fact, you could have the hepatitis virus and have no symptoms for years or even decades. Fatigue, nausea, jaundice and abdominal discomfort are some of the common symptoms of all types of hepatitis. Nevertheless, sometimes there are no symptoms.

Lifestyle Can Prevent Hepatitis

Hepatitis can be prevented to a large degree with lifestyle routines; there are various lifestyle changes to be made depending on the type of hepatitis. For example with alcoholic Hepatitis, the key is to abstain from alcohol or drink in moderation. With hepatitis A, it is about avoiding contaminated water or places with poor sanitation. Not sharing needles among drug users and is a way to prevent hepatitis B and C.

It is important to know enough about hepatitis to properly prevent or handle it.