Hepatitis Day: Debunking Myths Around Hepatitis

Key Takeaways

• Hepatitis Day is observed on the 28th of July every year.
• More than a million people worldwide every year lose their lives to hepatitis.
• There are 5 main types of hepatitis, namely A, B, C, D & E.
• According to the WHO, more than 300 million people are living with hepatitis.
• Viral hepatitis is most common & it can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, or cancer.
• All hepatitis types are fatal, hepatitis is untreatable, hepatitis is genetic, all hepatitis types are equal, etc, are some of the most common myths. 
• Hepatitis Day is observed to raise awareness about the disease, its treatment, myths, and misconceptions surrounding hepatitis.  

Hepatitis Day : Debunking Myths Around Hepatitis

World Hepatitis Day is observed on the 28th of July every year to raise awareness about hepatitis, a leading cause of severe liver disease (know about various liver diseases) and liver cancer (8 signs your liver is healing).

The theme for this year’s Hepatitis Day is ‘Let’s break it down’, which aims to break down barriers that hold us back from a hepatitis-free world. Hepatitis is a global health concern. Did you know? More than a million people lose their lives to hepatitis, and this rising number is associated with low awareness, misinformation, myths, stigma, and more. 

This world hepatitis day, let’s debunk the myths around hepatitis and its treatment and end this entirely preventable disease. 

Hepatitis is defined as a condition related to inflammation of the liver. The condition is often associated with viral infections, alcohol abuse, toxins, autoimmune disorders (autoimmune hepatitis- causes, types & treatment), etc. People affected with hepatitis usually experience symptoms like fatigue, feeling of weakness, fever (causes, symptoms & treatment), nausea, loss of appetite, pain in the upper abdomen, diarrhoea (8 home remedies for loose motion), and more. Hepatitis has 5 main types: A, B, C, D & E. The types are further characterised as viral, toxic, and autoimmune hepatitis.

Did you know? In India, viral hepatitis is recognized as a public health concern. Talking about global numbers, according to several studies, more than 300 million people are living with hepatitis.

Types of Hepatitis

• Viral Hepatitis: Viral hepatitis is a condition resulting in inflammation of the liver due to viral infection. Viral hepatitis primarily spreads through contaminated food & water.
• Toxic Hepatitis: Toxic hepatitis is a result of exposure to chemicals like alcohol or drug-induced hepatitis.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition where the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the liver tissues.

Viral hepatitis, the inflammation of the liver caused by viral infection, is most common. It can lead to serious liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

• Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A, also called HAV, spreads through the faecal-oral route, i.e. consuming water or food contaminated with the virus. A vaccine for hepatitis A is available, and after treatment, most people make a full recovery. 
• Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids, i.e. sharing needles, unprotected intercourse, unsafe medical procedures, etc. HAB spreads commonly from the mother to the child during birth. Vaccines are available for hepatitis B, plus avoiding shared needles, unprotected intercourse, etc. can help prevent the disease.
• Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C results from the use of unsafe injections and blood transfusions. The symptoms often stay silent in the early stages and may only show up when liver damage is advanced. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, though it is curable with antiviral medicines.
• Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D is a defective virus that only affects people who already have hepatitis B. It spreads through blood and body fluids. The Hepatitis B vaccine only helps prevent infections. Hepatitis D increases the risk of rapid liver damage.
• Hepatitis E: Hepatitis E spreads primarily through drinking contaminated water. The vaccines are limitedly available, though most people make a full recovery after treatment.

Also Read: Important Vaccines for Newborns

Common Myths About Hepatitis

There are numerous myths and misinformation about hepatitis, which often leads to delayed treatment or severe complications. Some of the common ones are included below:

Hepatitis is Untreatable:

Hepatitis is also believed by many to be an untreatable disease. Though treatment exists for various types of hepatitis, some cases can even resolve on their own.

Hepatitis B Spreads from Touching & Coughing:

Hepatitis spreads from touching & coughing is also a common myth. However, hepatitis B primarily gets transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids. 

Hepatitis is only caused by Alcohol Abuse:

Excess alcohol consumption can cause hepatitis; however, it is not the only cause leading to hepatitis. Various other factors like autoimmune diseases, exposure to certain medications, toxins, etc. can also cause hepatitis.

Hepatitis C Goes Without Treatment:

Did you know? Approximately 80% of patients diagnosed with hepatitis C may develop a chronic liver infection. And only a small number of individuals get better without the need for treatment. Hepatitis C requires treatment as an untreated condition can lead to conditions like cirrhosis, liver failure and cancer.

Hepatitis Patients are Always Jaundiced:

Liver diseases, at times, may lead to jaundice (causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention), but patients diagnosed with hepatitis are not jaundiced. It can be a symptom of hepatitis, but not a cause of it.

Hepatitis is Genetic:

Hepatitis being genetic is also one of the most common myths. However, hepatitis is a virus and not a condition that is inherited from parents. In rare cases, it gets transmitted from the mother to the child during childbirth. 

There are Vaccines for All Types of Hepatitis:

No, there are only vaccines available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. 

All Types of Hepatitis are Equal:

A large population still believes the common myth that all hepatitis types are the same. However, it is not true that all the hepatitis viruses are very different; some can clear on their own, while some can lead to permanent liver damage.

Hepatitis Virus cannot Survive outside the Human Body:

It is also a popular belief that the hepatitis virus can not survive outside the body, though the hepatitis virus has the potential to survive outside the human body. The virus can survive for months on the surface under certain conditions.

Also Read: Lower & Upper Stomach Pain: Know the Cause, Symptom & Treatment

Conclusion

Hepatitis is still impacting millions of people around the world, and unfortunately, a lot of myths and misunderstandings continue to obscure the reality of this serious yet often preventable illness. On this World Hepatitis Day, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness, challenge the stigma, and share accurate information. By learning how various types of hepatitis are transmitted and recognizing the significance of vaccination and early diagnosis, we can take informed steps that save lives. Let’s pledge to swap out myths for facts and strive for a future free of hepatitis.

Also Read: Facing Frequent Abdominal Pain: Know the Causes & Treatments

FAQs

Can I live a healthy life with hepatitis?

Yes, it’s possible to live a healthy and full life with hepatitis.

How do I protect myself from hepatitis?

To keep safe from hepatitis, it’s important to focus on prevention through vaccination, practicing safe hygiene, and avoiding risky behaviors. 

What Are the Early Signs of Hepatitis?

Early signs can include fatigue, fever, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, etc.