July 28th is World Hepatitis Day

Living in the United States, Hepatitis is a disease that generally does not impact our daily lives.  Despite the fact that it is not always on our health radar, Hepatitis is a serious disease that should be at the forefront of everyone’s health concerns.

In the simplest of terms, viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. There are five different hepatitis viruses including hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineer and Medicine, “Viral hepatitis is the seventh leading cause of death in the world”.  Chronic viral hepatitis, of which hepatitis B and C are the most common forms, kills millions of people around the world each year.  Approximately 20,000 of these deaths occur in the United States. 

Some symptoms of Hepatitis include (although often there are no symptoms at the onset of the disease):

• Malaise
• Fatigue
• Reduced appetite
• Fever
• Muscle or joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Belly pain
• Darkened urine
• Light-colored stool
• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
• Itchy skin
• Mental changes
• Internal bleeding

The most common ways this disease is transmitted is through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person, or contact with water, food or other sources tainted with fecal matter from an individual carrying the disease. Treatment methods vary depending upon the type of hepatitis infection.

Vaccinations and proper hygiene are the most common ways to prevent most types of hepatitis infections (currently there is no vaccination for hepatitis C).  Additionally, if you know of a person who is infected with the virus, it is important to get prompt medical care and avoid direct contact with that individual.

In addition to proper health care, awareness of the virus through events such as World Hepatitis Day, which takes place on July 28, 2016, are important ways to provide education and reduce the impact of the illness. This global event is sponsored by the World Hepatitis Alliance as a way to educate individuals on the symptoms, prevention, treatment and impact of this deadly disease.  In addition, the organization has taken on the World Health Organization’s Global Strategy for Viral Hepatitis, with the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. For more information contact Justin McCarthy, MD at 806-761-0722 or visit our website.