We’ll teach you how to protect yourself from hepatitis to mark World Hepatitis Day.

Hepatitis enters the body silently and sometimes leaves it the same way. However, when the liver is unable to eliminate the virus, it stays in this vital organ and gradually damages it, sometimes developing into fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or cancer.

Initially, hepatitis can cause certain symptoms, such as yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, fatigue, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain. However, sometimes it has no symptoms at all. According to the World Health Organisation, 240 million people suffer from chronic infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, but only five per cent of them know that they are infected.

Because of this, 28 July, World Hepatitis Day, is an opportunity to redouble international efforts to fight this disease and eliminate this serious future threat to public health.

What are the types of virus?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by one of the five hepatitis viruses, called types A, B, C, D y E.

• Hepatitis A virus (HAV): is generally caught by ingesting contaminated water or food or is sexually transmitted. Most people recover completely and become immune to future infections.
• Hepatitis B virus (HBV): is transmitted by exposure to blood, semen, and other infectious body fluids. There is a safe, effective vaccine to protect you from this virus.
• Hepatitis C virus (HCV): this is almost always transmitted by exposure to contaminated blood (blood transfusions, injections, contaminate instruments). It is also sexually transmitted. Although there is no vaccine (prevention is crucial), 90% of cases are curable with antiviral drugs.
• Hepatitis D virus (HDV): this only affects people with HBV, since simultaneous infection by both viruses can be more severe and have a worse outcome.
• Hepatitis E virus (HEV): like HAV, it is transmitted by contaminated food and water. It is a common cause of epidemic outbreaks of hepatitis. There are safe, effective vaccines that prevent the infection, although they are not widely distributed.

How to protect yourself from hepatitis

Hygiene is essential to protect yourself from hepatitis A, B and C. Follow these recommendations:

1. It is important to get vaccinated before you travel to places where this disease is common and you may come into contact with any of these viruses.
2. Pay attention to hygiene. Wash your hands when you get home, before eating, after being in contact with anyone infected and when visiting countries where hygiene is poor.
3. In these countries, it is advisable to drink bottled water and eat only cooked food. Wash food carefully, particularly vegetables that you intend to eat raw.

Additionally, to prevent types B and C:

• Use barrier contraceptive methods (condoms) during sexual relations.
• Do not use anything that may be contaminated with blood from an infected person, such as toothbrushes, syringes, razor blades or other personal hygiene items.
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A, B, and C if you are in frequent contact with people who are ill, for example, if you work in healthcare.
• Check that materials used for tattooing or piercing are sterile and that the premises are hygienic.

Doctors say that Hepatitis B rates are falling around the world thanks to universal vaccine programmes. Preventing Hepatitis C means reducing opportunities for infection, so we should all be aware.

This post is also available in: Italian