SIR: One may ask, what really is Hepatitis? This killer disease is not far-fetched! lt is inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections, and it can lead to liver damage, Cirrhosis, or liver cancer, if left untreated.

The Chairman of The Young Medical Laboratory Scientists’ Forum, Lagos Chapter and a Medical Laboratory Science Test, Dr. Olufemi Peter Oladele, stated with the theme: “Let’s break it down,” that Hepatitis which is the inflammation of the liver affects mainly the liver. And we have different types of Hepatitis.lt spreads through contaminated food, water, blood, unprotected sex, too much intake of alcohol; some are due to different types of drugs and – drugs abuse and some are caused by viruses that affect the liver.

And there are different types of Hepatitis. There are Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. They are different forms of the disease, with Hepatitis A and B preventable through the vaccines, while Hepatitis C, D, and E require different forms of treatment or prevention. That the most common ones are Hepatitis B and C.

Hepatitis affects everyone across every strata of the society: politicians, stakeholders, young and old, rich and poor, men and women, learned and unlearned. lt is open to everybody! One should get tested regularly to know one’s status.

That we can join the fight against Hepatitis! ln this way, we can break down the barrier to awareness, prevention and treatment. And thus stop Hepatitis from affecting lives.

The Chairman of The Young Medical Laboratory maintained that Hepatitis is preventable;it is treatable and when it is not diagnosed and get treated, one is at risk of damaging one’s liver. Which is also a risk to one’s life.

One should get tested and get vaccinated if you think you are at risk, especially for Hepatitis A and B. Don’t share needles, wash your hands, and eat clean food. And the General Hospitals are where they can get quality health care.
• Obire Onakemu can be reached by 09044000546.