The Significance of World Hepatitis Day and Spreading Awareness about the Disease

Are you reading this during the month of July? If so, then World Hepatitis Day is right around the corner, with the official date being July 28. This particular event is an annual opportunity to increase global efforts on combating the spread of this deadly yet manageable condition

Such efforts include urging politicians and organizations worldwide into delivering a greater response to the threat of Hepatitis and all its types, as well as informing the public about this health threat and encouraging more at-risk individuals to get tested and receive proper treatment. This is so that the 330 million people living with viral hepatitis worldwide are properly diagnosed and get the life-saving treatment that they deserve—before it’s too late.

It may be hard to grasp just how significant World Hepatitis Day and the importance of spreading awareness about this disease, especially for those who are unfamiliar with Hepatitis or otherwise not personally affected by it. As such, this article will endeavor to inform readers what Hepatitis is, what it does, what its symptoms are, the treatment options available to those suffering from it, and how you can help contribute to spreading awareness.

In doing so, we hope to bring across just how important World Hepatitis Day is and how serious this health issue can be if not addressed properly.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a condition that manifests as an inflammation of the liver. It can be self-limiting, meaning that it can resolve itself without treatment, or it could go on to cause liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, or even liver cancer. All this ultimately results in the liver being irreparably damaged.

What is unique about hepatitis is that it can be caused by multiple sources, with viruses being the most common culprit. The other known causes of hepatitis include other serious infections, the accidental exposure of toxic substances, the prolonged abuse of certain drugs or alcohol, and certain autoimmune diseases.

As stated above, hepatitis involves the liver, and it is responsible for many critical functions in the human body, such as the following:

  • The production of bile fluids, which helps with digestion
  • The filtering and removal of harmful toxins in the body
  • The excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and consumed drugs
  • The breaking down and usage of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
  • The activation of enzymes, all of which are involved in other critical bodily functions
  • The storage of glycogen, minerals, and vitamins
  • The synthesis of blood proteins and clotting factors

Without quick and proper treatment, hepatitis could result in the sufferer losing all use of their liver, a state known as liver failure. Not only can this cause the manifestation of numerous other serious health conditions, but it can also quickly result in the individual’s death.

What are the five types of viral hepatitis?

If an instance of hepatitis is caused by a virus, then it is classified as viral hepatitis. There are five main types of viral hepatitis, each one contracted by a different virus. Depending on the type of hepatitis a patient is suffering from, their condition may be acute and short-lived, or chronic and long-lasting.

Hepatitis A

This type of viral hepatitis is caused by an infection with the virus known as Hepatitis A virus (HAV). This particular type of hepatitis is usually transmitted through the consumption of food or drinking water that has been tainted by the feces or stool of a person infected with HAV. Hepatitis A infection is always a short-term disease with acute symptoms. As such, it is the most survivable type of viral hepatitis, with most people only suffering mild infections and going on to recover fully, while also being rendered immune to further infections. However, it can be life-threatening if neglected or not treated promptly.

Also, due to its transmission method, this type of hepatitis is most common in third world or developing countries, as well as in locations where poverty is rampant.

Hepatitis B

This type of viral hepatitis is spread through contact with the bodily fluids of someone who has been infected by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). These bodily fluids include blood, vaginal secretions, semen, and others. Drug abuse with contaminated syringes, sexual activity with an infected individual, or even sharing shaving razors with an HBV carrier can and will result in Hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B infection through blood transfusion is rare, but it has been reported to happen.

Hepatitis C

This type of viral hepatitis comes from the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Just like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C is most commonly contracted from direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected individual. As such, the methods of transmission are the same, i.e. syringe reuse and sexual contact.

Hepatitis D

This type of viral hepatitis is caused by the Hepatitis D virus (HDV). This is a rare form of hepatitis that can arise from being infected by HBV. The dual infection of HBV and HDV can result in a more serious condition and a worse prognosis. This hepatitis variant is also called Delta Hepatitis.

Hepatitis E

Finally, this type of viral hepatitis is caused by the Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) and is largely a waterborne disease. It is usually found in areas with poor sanitation or those that are lacking in water purification or cleaning facilities. Just like Hepatitis A, the consumption fecal matter of infected individuals is the main transmission vector.

As stated earlier, these are not the only sole cause of hepatitis. The abuse of alcohol and other toxins can also result in liver damage and inflammation, which is then defined as alcoholic hepatitis. Alcohol as a substance directly injures the cells of your liver upon consumption. The damage is usually repaired quickly by the liver’s self-regenerating properties.

However, too much alcohol intake can result in the liver not being able to keep up. This results in permanent thickening and scarring, which in turn causes in liver failure. The abuse of drugs can also create a similar effect.

Finally, an autoimmune disease can also cause hepatitis. The infected person’s body mistakes the liver as a harmful invader and sends the immune system instructions to attack and defuse it. This attack causes the liver to get inflamed and not function correctly.

What are the symptoms or tell-tale signs of Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is the type of disease that either manifests its symptoms acutely and quickly or has no symptoms at all until enough liver damage has been inflicted. The latter is exactly why testing is essential, especially for those who are highly at risk of contracting any of the viral hepatitis types.

With that said, the following are symptoms of acute hepatitis:

  • Fatigue or malaise
  • Rapid onset of flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, body aches, dry cough)
  • Dark urine
  • Pale colored stool
  • Pain in the general abdominal area
  • Weight loss that can’t be attributed to diet or exercise
  • Jaundice

How is Hepatitis treated?

Thankfully, there are many valid and effective treatments for Hepatitis. The type and nature of the treatment depends largely on the kind of Hepatitis and its cause. Acute cases of Hepatitis A, B, and E, for example, are usually self-limiting conditions and will resolve with bed rest, proper nutrition, and adequate hydration. Chronic cases of Hepatitis B will need to be treated with antiviral medications, along with Hepatitis C. Currently, Hepatitis D is the only type of hepatitis that has no antiviral medications.

How can Hepatitis be prevented?

As serious as Hepatitis is, it can be avoided and prevented. Here are some effective tips on how to do just that.

  • Practice good hygiene.
  • Avoid raw or uncooked food when traveling to third world or developing countries.
  • Avoid local or unfiltered water when traveling to third world or developing countries.
  • Do not share drug needles, razors, or toothbrushes with anyone.
  • Practice safe sex using condoms or dental dams.
  • Get vaccinated against the main types of Hepatitis.
  • Avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.

How can I spread awareness about Hepatitis for World Hepatitis Day?

If you’d like to help out in spreading the word about Hepatitis, then here are some ways in which you can do so.

Promotional materials

Spreading awareness through promotional materials, like printable wristbands, is one of the best ways that you can help with the efforts of World Hepatitis Day.  You can post about Hepatitis in social media or give away flyers that have information about this disease to busy intersections and junctions. You can also hand out freebies that are customized to sport branding related to World Hepatitis Day as a way of getting the word out, such as wristbands, enamel pins, and lanyards. There are many services online who sell and customize such material in bulk.

Organize formal events and gatherings.

If you are part of a school or city’s administration staff, then you can organize an event to talk and learn about Hepatitis. This will help put the event and the condition it’s spreading information about in focus. It may also spurn attendees to get tested and seek treatment.

Talk to your friends and family about Hepatitis.

Even if you’re just a student or an employee, you can still help raise awareness about Hepatitis, and that’s by talking about what you’ve learned here with your parents, your friends, your coworkers, and others. The aim here is to inform people and let them know about this disease, and sometimes the simplest way is best.

Hepatitis doesn’t have to be a deadly disease

The fact that vaccines already exist for Hepatitis should have meant its extinction. However, the fact remains that it is still prevalent, with a lack of knowledge about the disease as one of the main causes of its survival. Show your support for World Hepatitis Day and help eradicate this deadly condition once and for all.

wristbandcreation.com has a Shopper Approved rating of 4.6/5 based on 3749 ratings and reviews.