Tuesday 28 July 2015

Today is world hepatitis day

Today is World Hepatitis Day

To mark the World Hepatitis Day falling today, Dr Aggarwal said that hepatitis can be caused by drugs, toxins, alcohol, some disease conditions like nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) etc., but, by far the most common cause is viral infection with the hepatitis viruses. There are five different hepatitis viruses, but the most common types are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C viruses.

Hepatitis A is transmitted by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with the virus, while hepatitis B and hepatitis C are spread via transfusion of blood and/or blood products, unsafe sex, unsafe injections and/or tattooing.

The theme for the World Hepatitis Day this year is ‘Prevention of viral hepatitis’.

Viral hepatitis can be prevented. Increased awareness amongst the public and better access to treatment are key to controlling and preventing viral hepatitis, added Dr KK Aggarwal.

Following tips on prevention were also released on the occasion.

·         Wash hands well with soap and water before and after eating food, after defecation and after touching blood or other body fluids.

·         Boiled water is safest to drink.

·         Avoid eating unwashed raw food including vegetables and peeled and cut fruits sold on roadside.

·         Practice safe sex.

·         Avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrush, razors, nail cutters etc.

·         Avoid sharing needles or syringes.

·         Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, especially children and high risk adults.

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