KIM’S KORNER- Hepatitis: The Silent Virus

July 28 is World Hepatitis Day and the aim is to raise awareness of this viral infection. Hepatitis can be caused by certain medical conditions, and also by alcohol and drug abuse. In most cases, however, it is the result of a virus. Regardless of the cause, it can lead to widespread infections throughout the body but it predominantly triggers inflammation of the liver.

The virus can go undetected, often progressing to diseases of the renal, endocrine, cardiovascular, rheumatological and central nervous systems, which can lead to life-threatening and sometimes fatal consequences. The biggest problem to controlling hepatitis is that it can be present without obvious symptoms. Not until the condition becomes chronic do people become aware of its presence. And by that time there has usually been extensive liver damage.

According to research there are 300 million people worldwide who are unaware they have viral hepatitis. Failure to identify these people means that hepatitis will continue to be a problem, and lives needlessly lost to the disease. There are three types of hepatitis: A, B and C. Although they have similar symptoms, each comes with its unique issues. The symptoms that all three share, are: fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice, dark urine, pale/chalk-coloured stools, muscle and joint pain, and abdominal pain.

Hepatitis A: This is the only one of the three that can be prevented by vaccination. Children between the ages of 1-2 years and adults at risk are usually encouraged to be inoculated. It is normally found in infected stools and blood, and can be spread by person-to-person contact or by ingesting contaminated food or fluids. The symptoms, if present, do not appear until after 2-6 weeks of exposure to the virus. Symptoms, which are frequently mild and can last up to six months, include those listed above plus itching, headache and diarrhoea. There is usually complete resolution of the symptoms, often without medical intervention, and no long-term damage to the liver.

Hepatitis B: This is spread through contact with body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids, saliva and blood. If a mother has the virus then it can be passed to the baby during childbirth. Another common way this virus is spread is through having unprotected sex or by sharing personal items such as razors, toothbrushes, or from infected needles (either through drug use or needle-stick injuries in a healthcare setting). Some people may live with this virus for life, while others have a full recovery—even without intervention. The main symptoms usually present within about three months of contracting the virus, but can take up to six months. As well as those symptoms listed above, there may be signs of liver damage and, in severe cases, liver failure or liver cancer.

Hepatitis C: Before 1992 the most common form of transmission was through blood transfusions. There is now more scrutiny and the procedures in place in hospitals have made this less likely. Like hepatitis B, the most common way this is spread now is through contact with body fluids. Initially there are no symptoms but once they start to present it can be similar to the flu, as well as the other common symptoms lited above. There may be itching and tenderness in the area of the liver. Only around 25% of those with hepatitis C will recover spontaneously from the virus, with the rest carrying the virus in their body for life.

The most common way to detect hepatitis is through blood tests and, if liver damage is suspected, there are tests that can monitor the extent, such as testing albumin levels and liver function tests. In certain cases, your doctor may recommend a liver biopsy to assess what damage has been done to the liver. If you travel a lot or come from an area where sanitation is poor, it is recommended that you get tested to determine your status.

If you or anyone you know is infected or at high risk, there are steps you can take to stop the spread of the virus: always wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing food; do not share personal items such as razors, nail clippers or toothbrushes. If you are diagnosed with the virus it is important to control the symptoms and it may be necessary to take an anti-viral medication to reduce the risk of liver damage.

The liver is an important organ, responsible for filtering the blood; it stores sugar that the body uses for energy, makes bile that is responsible for digesting food, and removes toxins and medicines from the body. When it does not function correctly it can have a detrimental effect on your health. So practice safe hygiene and keep yourself fit and strong by eating a healthy diet and exercising.