World Hepatitis Day, 28 July 2013
Every year on 28 July, WHO and partners mark World Hepatitis Day to increase the awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis and the diseases that it causes.
Hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E can cause acute and chronic infection and inflammation of the liver that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. These viruses constitute a major global health risk with around 240 million people being chronically infected with hepatitis B and around 150 million people chronically infected with hepatitis.
Millions of people are living with viral hepatitis and millions more are at risk of becoming infected. Most people with chronic infection with hepatitis B or C are unaware that they continue to carry the virus. They are therefore at high risk of developing severe chronic liver disease and can unknowingly transmit the virus to other people. Approximately one million people die each year from causes related to viral hepatitis, m Millions of people are living with viral hepatitis and millions more are at risk of becoming infected. Most people with chronic infection with hepatitis B or C are unaware that they continue to carry the virus. They are therefore at high risk of developing severe chronic liver disease and can unknowingly transmit the virus to other people. Approximately one million people die each year from causes related to viral hepatitis, most commonly cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Since hepatitis is caused by many different things, it's challenging to write about preventing all types of hepatitis in one article. However, some basic strategies, if followed, will lower your risk of developing viral hepatitis.
Currently, vaccination is only available to protect against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. These forms of hepatitis are caused by viral infections that can be prevented with safe and affordable vaccines. They are available for anyone interested, but are strongly recommended for people at high risk for exposure. At this time, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Hand Washing
In this modern age of advanced technology, we often forget that our single best protection against many illnesses is regular and proper hand washing. The risk of hepatitis A infection is especially lowered by washing your hands because the hepatitis A virus spreads through the fecal-oral route. This means that the virus enters the body through a person's mouth with something that came into contact with the feces of an infected person. Because this is usually a person's hands, regular hand washing interrupts this infection cycle.
Safer Sex
It is possible for hepatitis B and hepatitis C to be spread by sexual contact with a person infected by those viruses. Using condoms properly and consistently is one effective way to reduce your risk of infection. Maintaining a monogamous relationship (with a noninfected partner) is another effective way to avoid infection with these diseases through sexual contact.
Avoid Sharing Certain Personal Items
Anything potentially contaminated with blood can increase the risk of infection of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Since razors and toothbrushes might be contaminated with small amounts blood (enough to cause disease if that blood was infected with hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus), the safest approach is to only use your own personal items. However, it should be pointed out that casual contact does not spread hepatitis B or hepatitis C. For example, holding hands or hugging an infected person will not spread these viruses.
Wear Gloves When Handling Body Fluids
Wearing gloves when handling body fluids like blood can reduce your risk of exposure to hepatitis B and hepatitis C. While intact skin is an excellent defense against viruses, a small wound or unnoticed cut on your hand is large enough to allow a virus inside your body from handling infected blood. If you work in an environment where you could even imagine the possibility of contacting blood (for example, a school), it's a good idea to keep a pair of disposable, latex-free gloves nearby.
Avoid Contaminated Water and Food
Since the hepatitis A virus is spread through the fecal-oral route, infection can happen by eating foods and drinking water contaminated with infected feces. Unaware travelers are infected in this way because this rarely happens in the United States. This is most common in underdeveloped countries where public sanitation needs improvement and public water supplies are unprotected.
Source :WHO (World Health Organization)
Submitted : Wilma Roundtree Health Education Ministry
