Hepatities has become a  popular word in recent times. It is a disease caused due to inflammation of the liver. Depending on the duration of its effect on the body , it may be termed as acute or chronic. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis , cirrhosis or liver cancer. All five types of hepatitis are A, B, C, D and E are of serious concern as it might cause death  or has the possibility of epidemic spread while all cause liver disease .

Hepatities A (HAV) is present in the faeces of infected persons and is most often transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. Certain sex practices can also spread HAV. A person Suffering from type A will recover within 2 months without any possibility of any side effects.

Hepatities B (HBV) is transmitted through exposure to infective blood, semen, and other body fluids. HBV can be transmitted from infected mothers to infants at the time of birth or from family member to infant in early childhood. Transmission may also occur through transfusions of HBV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections. Mostly adults are infected and takes almost 90 days to recover achieving lifelong immunity.

Hepatities C (HCV) is mostly transmitted through exposure to infective blood. Type C has very little chance of being fatal. With medical advancement , this type can be cured and 15 to 25 percent of people with HCV can clear the infection without any treatment.

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections occur only in those who are infected with HBV. The dual infection of HDV and HBV can result in a more serious disease and worse outcome. Hepatitis B vaccines provide protection from HDV infection.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is mostly transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. HEV is a common cause of hepatitis outbreaks in developing parts of the world 

General Symptoms

•             Pain in Abdomen, joints or muscles.

•             Gastro intestinal  bleding, bloating, fluid in the abdomen or nausea.

•             Whole body fatigue, fever or loss of appetite.

•             Web of swollen blood vessels

Preventions

One should consume only fresh cooked   drink boiled or commercially bottled water. Raw vegetables which have been cleaned and disinfected  should be consumed.  Peeled  fruits should be avoided to the extent possible.

Since 2011, WHO has been commemorating World Hepatitis Day on 28 July with an annual campaign as one of the 9 flagship annual health campaigns. Following the launch of the Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis, 2016—2021, which calls for elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, WHO has designated “Eliminate Hepatitis” as the overarching theme of the World Hepatitis Day campaigns. Each year, a specific slogan is used to highlight and promote implementation of global targets in viral hepatitis. For World Hepatitis Day 2019, the slogan is “Invest in eliminating hepatitis”.