World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28 every year, aims to raise global awareness of hepatitis.

New Delhi, July 28, 2016: Hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E in which a virus attacks the liver causing it to inflame. There are five distinct hepatitis virus that cause viral hepatitis and damage the liver. Liver performs many crucial functions in your body, damage of the liver often takes away life. Hepatitis infection has caused approximately 1.45 million deaths every year. There are many people who are not even aware of being infected by this disease.

The virus that causes hepatitis can be easily transmitted through contaminated food and water. Any contact of blood or bodily fluids through unsafe injections or transfusions or sexual contact can also spread the virus rapidly. A child may get infected by this infectious virus through his mother. Jaundice, pale skin, fatigue, loss of appetite, pale stool and unexplained weight loss are among the common symptoms of hepatitis. One should consult a doctor if any of these symptoms appear to get the proper treatment on time.

It is not impossible to stop the spread of hepatitis virus. If proper preventive method is taken, the transmission of hepatitis can be stopped.

Here are some ways to effectively prevent hepatitis:

• Keeping good personal habits such as, washing hands before cooking or eating, can prevent the transmission of hepatitis A and E. Ensure that you always consume clean water and food. Cook and eat food in properly clean utensils.
• Hepatitis B and C can be prevented by avoiding transmission of blood or bodily fluid of an infected person. Avoid sharing needles, scissors, razors with a person who is infected with Hepatitis B. Avoid any form of sexual contact.
• It is very important to maintain proper sanitisation to keep one away from this dreaded disease.
• There are vaccinations available that prevent the development of hepatitis A and B. It is advisable to always give children the proper dose of this vaccination to prevent them from any kind of dangerous infection.
• There are also shots available that help you to prevent yourself from the disease even after you have been exposed to the virus.

If these preventive measures are kept in mind, the world can fight against hepatitis! This world hepatitis day, Prevent hepatitis by acting now. Take extra care of your sanitation and cleanliness. Never share your personal hygiene products and always make sure that you are not getting injected by a used needle. Consult a doctor whenever you see any signs of hepatitis. Fight hepatitis this world hepatitis day.

Inputs by: Dr. Vaijinath Dhapase, Park group of hospitals

Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)