Admin December 12, 2024

Viral Hepatitis: Understanding Symptoms, Causes, Risk & Preventions

Viral hepatitis is a liver inflammation caused by hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E. It is a viral infection that has raised significant global health concerns, affecting millions of people annually and can prove fatal if severe complications are left untreated. This article will explain the symptoms, causes, risks, and preventive measures associated with viral hepatitis.

Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis

The symptoms of viral hepatitis depend on the type and stage of the infection. However, common signs include:

• Jaundice: Yellow skin caused by high bilirubin levels in the blood.
• Fatigue: Feeling overtired, with low energy.
• Abdominal Pain: Particularly in the upper right side, where the liver is located.
• Dark Urine and Pale Stool: Resulting from impaired liver function.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Often accompanied by a loss of appetite.
• Fever: Mild to moderate, especially in the early stages of infection.

Causes of Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is primarily caused by five distinct viruses, as mentioned above: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Each type has unique modes of transmission:

• Hepatitis A (HAV): Poor hygiene or sanitation causes it to spread through contaminated food and water.
• Hepatitis B (HBV): Transmitted through blood, unprotected sex, and from mother to child during childbirth.
• Hepatitis C (HCV): is spread mainly through blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles or unscreened blood transfusions.
• Hepatitis D (HDV): Requires the presence of HBV to replicate and is transmitted similarly to HBV.
• Hepatitis E (HEV): Its transmission is similar to HAV.

Risk Factors

Risk factors like unhygienic living conditions and poor sanitation facilitate the spread of HAV and HEV. Sharing the same needles or unsterilised medical equipment can lead to HBV and HCV. Unprotected sex or travelling to high-risk areas will increase the exposure to HBV, HAV and HEV.
A weakened immune system and missing out on vaccinations for HAV and HBV can leave you unprotected and prone to severe infections. You can check out some top hepatologists in Gurgaon for professional assistance.

Prevention of Viral Hepatitis

Prevention means individual actions and public health initiatives like vaccination, which are available for HAV and HBV, providing effective protection. Regularly handwashing and ensuring clean drinking water will reduce your risk of HAV and HEV. Use condoms to avoid getting infected. Never share needles or razor blades. Ensuring the blood is tested before transfusions minimises the spread of HBV and HCV.
Raising awareness through public education campaigns about the risks is important, and prevention strategies are crucial. If you are Gurgaon or Delhi NCR-based, you can always seek advice from a hepatologist in Gurgaon if you notice any symptoms.

Conclusion

Viral hepatitis is a preventable and manageable condition if addressed properly with timely medical intervention and preventive measures. Recognising the symptoms and understanding the causes and risks can help you reduce its impact.
If you notice any symptoms or need professional assistance, you can refer to the best hepatologist doctors in Gurgaon. You can battle this deadly virus by being proactive through vaccination, hygiene, and safe practices, paving the way for healthier lives worldwide.