Viral hepatitis – a group of infectious diseases
known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E – affects hundreds of millions of people
worldwide, causing acute and chronic liver disease and killing close to 1.4
million people every year, mostly from hepatitis B and C. It is estimated that
only 5% of people with chronic hepatitis know of their infection, and less than
1% have access to treatment.
On World Hepatitis Day, 28 July 2016, WHO calls on
policy-makers, health workers and the public to "Know hepatitis - Act
now".
The Organization urges them to inform themselves
about the infection, take positive action to know their status by getting
tested, and finally seek treatment to reduce needless deaths from this
preventable and treatable infection.
Activities will take place around the world to
improve public knowledge of the risk of hepatitis, and enhance access to
hepatitis testing and treatment services.
Know hepatitis – Are you at risk?
Viral hepatitis affects 400 million people globally
and, given the size of the epidemic, anyone and everyone can be at risk. It is
estimated that in Nigeria, 20
million people are infected while 2 million people die of the consequence.
Know hepatitis – Get tested
An estimated 95% of people with hepatitis are
unaware of their infection. Hepatitis tests are complex and can be costly, with
poor laboratory capacity in many countries.
Know hepatitis – Demand treatment
Globally, lack of awareness and poor access to
hepatitis treatment services mean that most people who need treatment do not
receive it.
Over 90% of people with hepatitis C can be
completely cured of the virus within 3–6 months. Appropriate treatment of
hepatitis B and C can prevent the development of the major life-threatening
complications of chronic liver disease: cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Let’s look at Hepatitis B
This is about the most common Hepatitis virus
amongst us. Studies have shown that 15% – 25% of people with Hepatitis B will
die without treatment. So it is important we”
·
Get educated
·
Get tested
·
Join the fight against Hepatitis B
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is caused by a virus that attacks the liver
and causes liver inflammation. The virus spreads through contact with infected
blood or bodily fluid, it can be transmitted through:
·
Mother to unborn child
·
Unprotected sex
·
Injection or drug use
What are the symptoms?
·
Nausea
·
Vomiting
·
Fatigue
·
Abdominal pain
However, you may be among the about 30% of people
who do not have symptoms when they are infected.
Who is at risk?
·
People with multiple sex partners
·
Injection and drug users
·
Healthcare and public safety workers
·
People who live in same household with some who has
Hepatitis B
Types of Infection
Acute: Short term, less than 6 months
Chronic: Long term, more than 6 months and it is mostly a
life-long condition and requires a long tern treatment to prevent more damage
to the liver. Treatment is important because the damage to the liver could
cause serious liver problem called cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis of the liver is the destruction of normal
liver tissues, harm and scars left behind will prevent blood from flowing
through the liver. Cirrhosis certainly sets a stage for liver cancer. Chronic
Hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide.
Screening and Vaccination
Hepatitis B is a preventable disease, the first
step in this direction is to undergo screening and when you are found negative,
you quickly commence the vaccine which comes in three-course, 0, 1 and 6.
Non-Negative
When you turn out non negative to Hepatitis B, the
Doctor may order more test to check the state of your liver. It is important you
see your Doctor often to check the state of your liver to know if treatment is
necessary and to see how well your treatment is working.
Your Doctor may use a variety of test s to check the
liver and monitor the amount of virus in your blood. Some of such tests are:
·
HBV DNA
test: The Doctor may use this to monitor the amount of virus in your blood
and also to measure your viral load.
·
The ALT: This
looks at active liver inflammation.
·
Liver
Biopsy: This is when the Doctor takes a sample of your liver tissue. This test
is used to check the level of damage or liver inflammation.
The Doctor at this point decides what is right for
you. If you have high viral load, the Doctor now decides which medication is
needed.
High Viral Load
This is a sign of liver damage or you are at risk
of liver damage. You may not feel sick but it is important you get treated if
the Doctor recommends so. The earlier you treat a disease, the more likely you
stay healthy longer. Why there is not cure for chronic Hepatitis B, there are
two types of treatment to help:
Antiviral drug: These are to prevent the virus from growing and reproducing
in your body.
Interferon: This helps strengthen your body against the virus.
Whether you are taking medication or not, there are
things you must do to keep the liver healthy. These include:
Eating right: Eating healthy meals
Rest: Getting enough sleep
Avoid things that may harm your liver such as alcohol,
drugs and some herbal medications.
See your Doctor every 6 – 12 months; it is also a
part of taking care of yourself. It is only through the Doctor that you can
know how the virus is affecting and detect liver cancer.
One of the several things you can do is to learn
more about the disease and how to stop the spread of the virus.
This material is a part of publications of Action for Preventive Health Concerns,
a Not-For-Profit Social Venture of OHSM
References:
www.yourliveryourhealth.com
You can reach us using ehi@ohsm.com.ng
