Shockingly enough one in 12 people worldwide - approximately 500 million people worldwide - are living with either chronic hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C. However, despite this statistic, awareness surrounding hepatitis is still low and the majority of those infected are unaware of it. Ask yourself: Are you number 12?
According to the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), hepatitis B and C represents a definite threat to global health. The danger of these two viruses is that you could be infected for many years without knowing it. If left untreated, both viruses can have a major impact on your health and your life, as they can lead to liver scarring (cirrhosis), and even potentially to liver cancer and liver failure. Furthermore, approximately one million people die every year from chronic viral hepatitis B or C.
This year, on World Hepatitis Day on 16 July, the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) and WHA, would like you to ask yourself: Am I number 12? As part of the GEMS's ongoing effort to educate our members - and future members - on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to help you answer this question by providing you with more information pertaining to hepatitis.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, or a liver infection, that could be caused by a number of viruses or toxins. Although there are six hepatitis viruses, hepatitis A, B and C are the most prevalent amongst the South African population. As World Hepatitis Day focuses more on hepatitis B and C, we will take a closer look at these two virus types.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is one of the most common viral infections in the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately two billion people have been infected with the hepatitis B virus. Over and above this, approximately 350 million people worldwide are living with chronic infections.The hepatitis B virus is highly infectious. In fact, it is 50 to a 100 times more infectious than HIV, because the virus can be found in all major bodily fluids of infected people. This includes blood, semen, sweat, tears and even breast milk. That is the reason why this virus is easily transmitted from a mother to her newborn baby during birth. The virus can also be spread if tattoo and body piercing instruments are not sterile.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?
Although not all people will have any signs of infection, those that do often experience the following symptoms:
How can I prevent being infected with hepatitis B?
Unlike hepatitis C, the good news is that there is a vaccine that can prevent infection. This vaccination should form part of your childhood vaccinations. However, if you were not vaccinated against it, or neglected to vaccinate your children against hepatitis B, you should visit your clinic or doctor as soon as possible for advice.How is hepatitis B diagnosed and treated?
Hepatitis B is diagnosed by a simple blood test. Further tests may be carried out to determine the severity of the infection, liver inflammation and extent of the damage to the liver.The good news is that most people with acute hepatitis B do not need treatment and do not develop long-term liver damage. However, if the virus becomes chronic, treatment with an antiviral medication will be needed to prevent the virus from causing more liver damage.
Hepatitis C
According to WHA, there are approximately 170 million people chronically infected with hepatitis C worldwide. In 2000 the WHO estimated that between three to four million people are newly infected every year.Like hepatitis B, the hepatitis C virus is known as a ‘silent killer', because people can live with the virus for many years before symptoms may appear. The danger with this is that during this time the infected person can spread the virus to others.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is mainly spread through blood-to-blood contact and, similarly to hepatitis B, symptoms can include:How can I prevent being infected with hepatitis C?
Unlike hepatitis B, there is no vaccination against hepatitis C. You can only safeguard yourself by leading a healthy lifestyle and avoid contact with blood or any unsterilised needles.How is hepatitis C treated?
Hepatitis C is not treated unless it becomes chronic. Once chronic, it is treated with medicine that slows or stops the virus from damaging the liver. Chronic hepatitis C is treated with drugs that slow or stop the virus from damaging the liver.Should there be extensive damage to the liver upon diagnosis, you may have to undergo a liver transplant.
It is recommended to have regular blood tests and that you visit your doctor should you display any of the mentioned symptoms, however vague they may be. If you have any more questions on hepatitis B and C, you can phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send a SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your health and well-being.
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