World Hepatitis Day 2024: Prevent liver damage due to viral Hepatitis with these lifestyle changes

Hepatitis Day 2024: Avoid eating food from roadside vendors is one of the easiest yet most effective precautions. These foods are frequently contaminated, even with dangerous diseases (Image: Canva)

There are serious health hazards associated with viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver brought on by several viruses, all over the world. The five main types of hepatitis are A, B, C, D, and E. Each has a unique mode of transmission, health effects, and preventative methods. These infections are particularly dangerous for the liver, an essential organ involved in many metabolic functions. Severe diseases like cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer can result from hepatitis-related liver damage. It's imperative to take lifestyle changes and preventative steps to avoid liver damage from viral hepatitis because of the serious side effects.

Here are few lifestyle measures and precautions to prevent liver damage due to viral hepatitis, according to Dr Punit Singla, Director and HOD, Institute of Liver Transplant & HPB Surgery, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram.

Avoid contaminated food and water

Importance of safe food and water: Hepatitis A and E are mainly spread through contaminated food and water. Poor hygiene and sanitation standards are linked to a higher prevalence of these illnesses. It is crucial to make sure the food and water you eat and drink are safe and clean.

Avoiding roadside food: Avoiding eating food from roadside vendors is one of the easiest yet most effective precautions. These foods are frequently contaminated, even with dangerous diseases. Choose to eat at respectable restaurants that adhere to food safety regulations or make your own meals at home. Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and when visiting regions where hepatitis outbreaks are known to occur, opt to consume boiled or bottled water.

Vaccination for Hepatitis B

Significance of Hepatitis B vaccination: One of the main causes of chronic liver disease, which includes liver cancer and cirrhosis, is Hepatitis B. One effective method of preventing hepatitis B infection is vaccination. The hepatitis B vaccine offers long-term protection and is both safe and effective.

Who should get vaccinated?

The hepatitis B vaccination should be administered to all newborns, adults who have not received the shot, and anyone who are at a high risk of contracting the virus, such as those who work in healthcare, have several sexual partners, or have chronic liver disease. To achieve the highest level of protection, the entire vaccination series must be completed.

Safe sexual practices

Reducing the risk of transmission: Sexual contact can spread the hepatitis B and C virus. To avoid contracting these illnesses, safe sex practices are crucial. Continually and correctly use condoms to lower the chance of hepatitis transmission.

Importance of regular testing

It's critical to regularly screen and test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly for people who have many partners. It is possible to avoid problems and lower the chance of hepatitis transfer by treating STIs early on.

Proper hand hygiene: Keeping your hands clean is an easy yet powerful way to stop the transmission of viral hepatitis. Hands should always be cleaned with soap and water before handling or preparing food. The danger of infection and hepatitis A and E transmission can be greatly decreased by using this procedure.

Cleaning your hands after using the restroom is equally crucial. It aids with the removal of any microorganisms that could be there and stops illnesses from spreading.

Safe medical practices:

Using disposable syringes: The use of infected syringes and needles can spread hepatitis B and C. Make sure that disposable needles and syringes are always used for any medical operations to avoid infection. Even when not used for medicinal purposes, do not share needles.

Safe blood transfusions: Make sure that safe, screened blood is used for blood transfusions. By using this procedure, the chance of hepatitis B and C spreading through blood or blood products is reduced.

Safe practices in personal care

Inadequate safeguards might increase the risk of contracting hepatitis from personal care practices like having a haircut or tattoos. Make sure barbers and tattoo artists adhere to proper cleanliness protocols and use sterile instruments.

Keep personal hygiene products like toothbrushes, razors, and nail clippers to yourself. These products may contain the hepatitis virus and aid in its spread.

Vaccination and drug therapy for pregnant mothers

Pregnant women infected with hepatitis B or C can transmit the virus to their newborns. Vaccination and appropriate drug therapy during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission. Pregnant women should undergo screening for hepatitis and receive necessary interventions to protect their babies.

Hepatitis B or C infection during pregnancy might pass to the fetus. The risk of mother-to-child transmission can be considerably decreased during pregnancy with vaccination and adequate medication therapy. In order to save their unborn children, expectant mothers should be screened for hepatitis and given the appropriate care.

Importance of early intervention

Pregnant women with hepatitis can avoid neonatal hepatitis and its related risks by receiving early intervention and therapy. Hepatitis screening and relevant preventive treatments should be part of prenatal care.