Understanding Hepatitis- A Growing Public Health Concern

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An overview of the different types of viral hepatitis, including transmission routes and risk factors. Discusses the alarming scale of hepatitis infections globally, with over 325 million people living with hepatitis B or C.

Understanding Hepatitis: A Growing Public Health Concern

Hepatitis broadly refers to inflammation of the liver, most often caused by viral infections. The most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, and C. Together, these viruses pose an alarming and growing threat to public health around the world. An estimated 325 million people live with hepatitis B or C globally, causing nearly 2 million deaths per year. Understanding these potentially devastating viruses is key to prevention and treatment efforts. Doctors at Manipal Hospitals Dwarka recommend considering surgery for more severe Hepatitis.

Hepatitis A is the least concerning form of viral hepatitis in terms of severity, but still impacts millions annually. The hepatitis A virus (HAV) spreads through contaminated food or water and causes acute liver inflammation. While rarely fatal, the economic costs are substantial during outbreaks due to hospitalizations and lost productivity. Fortunately, hepatitis A is preventable through improved sanitation and hygiene as well as vaccination.

Hepatitis B poses a higher public health risk as the most common serious liver infection. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) spreads between people through blood or other bodily fluids. Many people with hepatitis B develop chronic infections, heightening their risk of severe liver damage and liver cancer over time. An estimated 296 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B globally. A safe and effective vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, yet universal vaccination efforts remain limited in developing countries with the highest disease burden.

Hepatitis C operates similarly to hepatitis B but with distinctions important for diagnosis and treatment. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads most often through contact with infected blood from intravenous drug use, inadequate sterilization of medical equipment, and other routes. Over 70 million people have chronic HCV infections, though many are undiagnosed and unaware of their risk. New direct-acting antiviral drugs can cure over 95% of hepatitis C cases, yet high costs obstruct treatment access. Expanding screening and curative therapies provides hope for eliminating hepatitis C as a public health threat in the 21st century.

Addressing the impact of viral hepatitis requires understanding how these infections spread in communities and prevention barriers. All forms of viral hepatitis disproportionally impact marginalized groups with less access to testing or treatment. People experiencing homelessness and incarceration, as well as communities of color and immigrants, face elevated disease burdens. Comprehensive public health campaigns for vaccination, safe injection practices, protected sex, and blood screening could significantly reduce transmission worldwide. At the same time, policy changes are imperative to make diagnostics and life-saving medications accessible and affordable.

Correctly identifying hepatitis cases also poses challenges. Diagnosis frequently relies on blood tests for antibodies or viral genetic material. However, many people remain unaware of their infection status with few or non-specific symptoms initially. Broadening testing criteria could enable more diagnoses at earlier, less complicated stages. Clear communication around transmission and risk factors likewise requires sensitivity to counteract stigma surrounding hepatitis infections. Patient-centered education and counseling should coincide with any screening or treatment program.

While tremendous progress has occurred, viral hepatitis continues to claim too many lives and fray communities. Lack of a coordinated global response allows preventable deaths every minute of every day. Continued investments in research and frontline care delivery can turn the tide against these viruses. Countless patients still deserve answers about their health. Many more await access to vaccines and treatments to secure their futures. Confronting hepatitis directly can end needless suffering and pioneer safer, healthier lives for all. The solutions are within reach – we must work relentlessly until universal prevention, diagnosis, and care become a reality.