Manoj Bhardwaj
Faridabad(Standard News on line news portal) ..World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 every year with an aim to bring awareness among the masses. This day unites patients, organizations, governments, medical professionals, and general public to boost the global profile of viral hepatitis. This year, World Hepatitis Day is being celebrated under the theme ‘Find the Missing Millions’.To support this mission, Metro Hospital Faridabad organized a free screening of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C where more than 600 people got themselves tested. In the afternoon, Dr. Vishal Khurana, Sr. Consultant – Gastroenterology department talks to the audience on possible preventive &treatment options available at the MetroHospital Faridabad for Hepatitis. He said Hepatitis A and E are self-resolving and require symptomatic care. However, Hepatitis B &C can cause chronic hepatitis with associated morbidity (if not treated) and both these require specific anti-viral treatments which are easily available. Audience were encouraged to undergo regular screenings and vaccination to allow early detection and prevention of Hepatitis. The session was highly educational, audience commended the efforts of the hospital in spearheading initiatives in improving the general health conditions of people.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is the medical term for inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by a number of factors including viruses (like hepatitis A, B. C and E), alcohol abuse, large doses of certain medications and certain autoimmune diseases.
Different types of hepatitis viruses
The five hepatitis viruses – A, B, C, D and E are distinct; they can have different modes of transmission, affect different populations and result in different health outcomes.
Hepatitis A – It is primarily spread when someone ingests the virus from contact with food, drinks or objects contaminated by feces from an infected person or had close contact with someone who is infected.
Hepatitis D–it is passed through contact with infected blood.
Hepatitis E – It is spread mainly through contaminated drinking water or food.
Hepatitis B & C –It spreads due to various reasons.
a) Sharing an infected person’s needles, razors or toothbrush.
b) An infected mother can pass the virus to her baby during child birth.
c) Tattoo or body piercing with an infected needle.
d) Unprotected sex or multiple sex partners.
e) Contaminated blood transfusion.
Diagnosis for Hepatitis is done based on a history, examination, liver function test and blood tests to check for type of hepatitis virus.
Treatment of hepatitis
If you discover any of the following systems, consult our gastroenterology department for proper diagnosis and treatment. Specific treatment will be needed based on type of hepatitis.
