Every year on July 28th, World Hepatitis Day serves as a rallying cry for individuals, governments, healthcare organisations, and communities around the globe to unite against Hepatitis. In an interview, renowned Liver Specialist Dr. Sushrut Singh&nbsp;shed light on the common risk factors associated with hepatitis and the varying degrees of severity for different types of hepatitis.&nbsp;

Dr. Singh also spoke about the importance of early diagnosis and measures individuals can take to safeguard themselves from contracting the disease.

<h2>Common risk factors and prevention&nbsp;</h2>

Dr. Singh cautioned that maintaining a healthy liver is crucial for a healthy life. Hepatitis can be caused by various viruses, with Hepatitis A and E being transmitted through contaminated food and water.&nbsp;

To prevent these forms of hepatitis, Dr. Singh stressed the following precautions:

Hygienic food and beverages: Consume food and beverages only from trusted, hygienic sources to reduce the risk of infection.

Disinfect drinking water: Use appropriate methods to disinfect drinking water based on availability, ensuring it is safe for consumption.

Properly wash raw foods: Wash raw foods thoroughly before consumption to eliminate any potential virus-contaminated particles.

Hand hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water before and after meals to minimise the chances of viral transmission.

<h2>Varying degrees of severity</h2>

Dr. Sushrut Singh highlighted that there are primarily four types of hepatitis viruses. "Hepatitis A and E cause acute illness while Hepatitis virus B and C cause Chronic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis," he said.&nbsp;

Hepatitis A and E: Dr. Singh noted that these viruses cause acute illnesses and are usually self-limiting, meaning they resolve on their own. Symptoms may include low-grade fever, body pain, fatigue, and jaundice. While severe liver infection or failure may require hospitalisation, most cases do not require admission, he adds.&nbsp;

Hepatitis B and C: These viruses can cause chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Unlike Hepatitis A and E, they don't typically cause acute disease. Patients at risk for Hepatitis B and C include intravenous drug abuse, individuals with high-risk sexual behavior (unprotected sex with multiple partners), patients requiring dialysis or recurrent blood transfusions, infants born to infected mothers, and partners of infected patients.

Dr. Singh said that early diagnosis is essential in managing hepatitis effectively.&nbsp;

"Simple blood tests can be conducted to detect the presence of the viruses, while liver function tests help assess the severity of liver damage. Advanced tests such as ultrasound and FIBROSCAN are necessary for evaluating chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>Treatment options</h2>

For Hepatitis A and E, Dr. Singh advised that these infections typically resolve on their own with good nutrition, and patients should avoid seeking herbal supplements from unverified sources.

In contrast, Hepatitis B and C can cause significant liver damage if left untreated.&nbsp;

The good news is that very effective and safe treatments, in the form of oral tablets, are now available for these forms of hepatitis. By adopting simple preventive measures and seeking timely medical care, individuals can safeguard their liver health and overall well-being.

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Every year on July 28th, World Hepatitis Day serves as a rallying cry for individuals, governments, healthcare organisations, and communities around the globe to unite against Hepatitis.

Every year on July 28th, World Hepatitis Day serves as a rallying cry for individuals, governments, healthcare organisations, and communities around the globe to unite against Hepatitis. In an interview, renowned Liver Specialist Dr. Sushrut Singh shed light on the common risk factors associated with hepatitis and the varying degrees of severity for different types of hepatitis. Dr. Singh also spoke about the importance of early diagnosis and measures individuals can take to safeguard themselves from contracting the disease. Common risk factors and prevention Dr. Singh cautioned that maintaining a healthy liver is crucial for a healthy life. Hepatitis can be caused by various viruses, with Hepatitis A and E being transmitted through contaminated food and water. To prevent these forms of hepatitis, Dr. Singh stressed the following precautions: Hygienic food and beverages: Consume food and beverages only from trusted, hygienic sources to reduce the risk of infection. Disinfect drinking water: Use appropriate methods to disinfect drinking water based on availability, ensuring it is safe for consumption. Properly wash raw foods: Wash raw foods thoroughly before consumption to eliminate any potential virus-contaminated particles. Hand hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water before and after meals to minimise the chances of viral transmission. Varying degrees of severity Dr. Sushrut Singh highlighted that there are primarily four types of hepatitis viruses. "Hepatitis A and E cause acute illness while Hepatitis virus B and C cause Chronic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis," he said. Hepatitis A and E: Dr. Singh noted that these viruses cause acute illnesses and are usually self-limiting, meaning they resolve on their own. Symptoms may include low-grade fever, body pain, fatigue, and jaundice. While severe liver infection or failure may require hospitalisation, most cases do not require admission, he adds. Hepatitis B and C: These viruses can cause chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Unlike Hepatitis A and E, they don't typically cause acute disease. Patients at risk for Hepatitis B and C include intravenous drug abuse, individuals with high-risk sexual behavior (unprotected sex with multiple partners), patients requiring dialysis or recurrent blood transfusions, infants born to infected mothers, and partners of infected patients. Dr. Singh said that early diagnosis is essential in managing hepatitis effectively. "Simple blood tests can be conducted to detect the presence of the viruses, while liver function tests help assess the severity of liver damage. Advanced tests such as ultrasound and FIBROSCAN are necessary for evaluating chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis," he said. Treatment options For Hepatitis A and E, Dr. Singh advised that these infections typically resolve on their own with good nutrition, and patients should avoid seeking herbal supplements from unverified sources. In contrast, Hepatitis B and C can cause significant liver damage if left untreated. The good news is that very effective and safe treatments, in the form of oral tablets, are now available for these forms of hepatitis. By adopting simple preventive measures and seeking timely medical care, individuals can safeguard their liver health and overall well-being. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

World Hepatitis Day 2023: Liver specialist shares risk factors, severity, and preventive measures

England is set to become the first country in the world to eliminate hepatitis C. The announcement comes after a successful NHS drive to find and treat people with the virus. Watch further to know more.

England on course to become first country to wipe out Hepatitis C in the World

An attempt by New Zealand to stop the spread of hepatitis C has run into trouble because one of their commercials, which showed individuals giving the middle finger, was considered to be too inflammatory.&nbsp;

Ayesha Verrall, the assistant health minister, launched the "Stick it to Hep C" campaign in July to increase public awareness of the infection, which claims the lives of about 200 New Zealanders annually.&nbsp;

The advertising campaign included performers giving the other person the middle finger while grinning in films, outdoor posters, and web content. The advertisement next shows an actor having a blood test done on his middle finger to see if he has the blood-borne virus.

But despite a complaint that the advertisement picture was "deeply offensive," the Advertising Standards Authority supported the claim.&nbsp;

“The gesture is long established as ‘sign language’ for a series of very rude words, in short, “F*%$ You!”,” the complainant said. “It has no place on a billboard nor where it can be seen by children.”

While the complaints board acknowledged that viewers of the advertisement were likely to comprehend that there is "an easy finger prick test to determine if you have been exposed to hepatitis C and a new effective treatment, meaning you can say 'Fuck you' to hep C," most viewers were "likely to only focus on the hand gesture," so the context would be lost for them.

The gesture was “one of the most offensive gestures you can give to another person and always has negative connotations”, the board said, disagreeing with the advertiser that the smiling faces of the characters mitigated any aggressive intent.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/explained-early-signs-of-a-recession-who-decides-if-its-officially-begun-521205">Explained: Early signs of a recession; who decides if it's officially begun?</a>

It concurred that the advertising violated standards and made an inappropriate and insulting hand motion.&nbsp;

Nick Chamberlain, the national head of the Public Health Service, told the NZ Herald that the choice was "regrettable."

“We had no intention of causing serious or widespread offence with our choice of campaign imagery and it is regrettable that the ASA considers we didn’t get the balance right on this occasion.”

The middle finger graphic has been swapped out with a double thumbs up in the primary campaign image, although the YouTube clip and the website for the ad still use the middle finger image.

(with inputs from agencies) 
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An attempt by New Zealand to stop the spread of hepatitis C has run into trouble because one of their commercials, which showed individuals giving the middle finger, was considered to be too inflammatory.

An attempt by New Zealand to stop the spread of hepatitis C has run into trouble because one of their commercials, which showed individuals giving the middle finger, was considered to be too inflammatory. Ayesha Verrall, the assistant health minister, launched the "Stick it to Hep C" campaign in July to increase public awareness of the infection, which claims the lives of about 200 New Zealanders annually. The advertising campaign included performers giving the other person the middle finger while grinning in films, outdoor posters, and web content. The advertisement next shows an actor having a blood test done on his middle finger to see if he has the blood-borne virus. But despite a complaint that the advertisement picture was "deeply offensive," the Advertising Standards Authority supported the claim. “The gesture is long established as ‘sign language’ for a series of very rude words, in short, “F*%$ You!”,” the complainant said. “It has no place on a billboard nor where it can be seen by children.” While the complaints board acknowledged that viewers of the advertisement were likely to comprehend that there is "an easy finger prick test to determine if you have been exposed to hepatitis C and a new effective treatment, meaning you can say 'Fuck you' to hep C," most viewers were "likely to only focus on the hand gesture," so the context would be lost for them. The gesture was “one of the most offensive gestures you can give to another person and always has negative connotations”, the board said, disagreeing with the advertiser that the smiling faces of the characters mitigated any aggressive intent. Also Read: Explained: Early signs of a recession; who decides if it's officially begun? It concurred that the advertising violated standards and made an inappropriate and insulting hand motion. Nick Chamberlain, the national head of the Public Health Service, told the NZ Herald that the choice was "regrettable." “We had no intention of causing serious or widespread offence with our choice of campaign imagery and it is regrettable that the ASA considers we didn’t get the balance right on this occasion.” The middle finger graphic has been swapped out with a double thumbs up in the primary campaign image, although the YouTube clip and the website for the ad still use the middle finger image. (with inputs from agencies)

‘Middle finger’ campaign to promote hepatitis C vaccination in NZ deemed offensive, stirs row

Finding the serious liver condition was linked to co-infection of two common viruses, British researchers reported a breakthrough Monday in mysterious hepatitis cases affecting young children.

According to the study AAV2 (adeno-associated virus 2), which cannot replicate itself without another "helper" virus being present, played a significant role and was present in 96 percent of all patients examined.

Offering the best explanation for the severe liver disease, scientists concluded that co-infection with either AAV2 and an adenovirus, or sometimes the herpes virus HHV6.

Emma Thomson, an infectious disease professor at the University of Glasgow and the study's lead author said that "The presence of the AAV2 virus is associated with unexplained hepatitis in children".

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It is still unclear whether AAV2 was a biomarker for underlying adenovirus infection that is harder to detect but was the main pathogen or was causing the disease.

Finding that AAV2 was mostly present in those who got the illness, the study looked both at patients who acquired hepatitis and those that did not.

Honing in on differences in their Human Leukocyte Antigen that might explain why some are more susceptible than others, the study further tested genes of children who had become sick and those that did not.

Ruling out recent or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection as a direct cause, scientists said no coronavirus was found in the livers of the patients.

Highlighting that lockdowns could have contributed to the spike of cases by lowering immunity in children, researchers said more work was needed to understand why some children develop severe diseases and require transplantation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Finding the serious liver condition was linked to co-infection of two common viruses, British researchers reported a breakthrough Monday in mysterious hepatitis cases affecting young children.

Finding the serious liver condition was linked to co-infection of two common viruses, British researchers reported a breakthrough Monday in mysterious hepatitis cases affecting young children. According to the study AAV2 (adeno-associated virus 2), which cannot replicate itself without another "helper" virus being present, played a significant role and was present in 96 percent of all patients examined. Offering the best explanation for the severe liver disease, scientists concluded that co-infection with either AAV2 and an adenovirus, or sometimes the herpes virus HHV6. Emma Thomson, an infectious disease professor at the University of Glasgow and the study's lead author said that "The presence of the AAV2 virus is associated with unexplained hepatitis in children". × It is still unclear whether AAV2 was a biomarker for underlying adenovirus infection that is harder to detect but was the main pathogen or was causing the disease. Finding that AAV2 was mostly present in those who got the illness, the study looked both at patients who acquired hepatitis and those that did not. Honing in on differences in their Human Leukocyte Antigen that might explain why some are more susceptible than others, the study further tested genes of children who had become sick and those that did not. Ruling out recent or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection as a direct cause, scientists said no coronavirus was found in the livers of the patients. Highlighting that lockdowns could have contributed to the spike of cases by lowering immunity in children, researchers said more work was needed to understand why some children develop severe diseases and require transplantation. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Study links mysterious hepatitis to co-infection of two common viruses

According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), one child has died due to acute hepatitis after cases were detected in at least 12 countries.

Children in the US, UK and Europe had earlier reported cases of inflammation of the liver, however, the health authorities have been unable to understand the exact cause of the illness.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-europe-uk-report-severe-cases-of-hepatitis-among-children-471770">Also Read:&nbsp;US, Europe, UK report severe cases of hepatitis among children</a>

The WHO had informed that it had launched an investigation into the mysterious increase in severe cases of hepatitis among children as it reported at least 169 cases have been reported so far.

The UN health body said the origin of the hepatitis was still unknown. It has also been reported in Spain, Israel, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, France, Romania and Belgium.

The UK has reported the most number of cases with 114 kids down with acute hepatitis.&nbsp;

The age of the kids ranges from one month to 16 years, WHO said while informing that seventeen kids needed liver transplantation with common cold virus detected in at least 74 cases.

The US CDC had earlier said it was investigating hepatitis cases in Alabama including in other states.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), one child has died due to acute hepatitis after cases were detected in at least 12 countries. Children in the US, UK and Europe had earlier reported cases of inflammation of the liver, however, the health authorities have been unable to understand the exact cause of the illness.

According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), one child has died due to acute hepatitis after cases were detected in at least 12 countries. Children in the US, UK and Europe had earlier reported cases of inflammation of the liver, however, the health authorities have been unable to understand the exact cause of the illness. Also Read: US, Europe, UK report severe cases of hepatitis among children The WHO had informed that it had launched an investigation into the mysterious increase in severe cases of hepatitis among children as it reported at least 169 cases have been reported so far. The UN health body said the origin of the hepatitis was still unknown. It has also been reported in Spain, Israel, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, France, Romania and Belgium. The UK has reported the most number of cases with 114 kids down with acute hepatitis. The age of the kids ranges from one month to 16 years, WHO said while informing that seventeen kids needed liver transplantation with common cold virus detected in at least 74 cases. The US CDC had earlier said it was investigating hepatitis cases in Alabama including in other states. (With inputs from Agencies)

Child dies of acute hepatitis as 12 countries report increase in cases

Reports say the UK has detected&nbsp;severe cases of hepatitis among children including in the US and Europe.

Ireland and Spain have also reported acute hepatitis cases in children, the World Health Organisation(WHO) said.&nbsp;

At least 74 children under 10 have reportedly been detected with the disease in the UK even as the WHO has launched an investigation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cadila-gets-approval-to-repurpose-hepatitis-c-drug-for-covid-19-treatment-379520">Also Read:&nbsp;Cadila gets approval to repurpose Hepatitis C drug for COVID-19 treatment</a>

The US CDC said it is investigating cases in &nbsp;Alabama including in other states. Spanish media reported children aged between 2 and 7 had contracted the disease.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and is caused due to several factors including viral infections.&nbsp;The WHO said at least nine children in the UK had fallen ill last month including one in January.

Watch:&nbsp;Is it too early to go back to pre-COVID life?

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The UN health body said it was notified of 10 cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children under the age of 10 years across central Scotland earlier this month and on April 8, 74 cases were identified in the United Kingdom.

"Hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, E, and D where applicable) have been excluded after laboratory testing," it said while cautioning that more cases may be reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-british-scientists-win-nobel-prize-in-medicine-for-hepatitis-c-virus-discovery-332626">Also Read:&nbsp;US-British scientists win Nobel Prize in medicine for Hepatitis C virus discovery</a>

WHO said no deaths have been reported while informing that "the United Kingdom has recently observed an increase in adenovirus activity, which is co-circulating with SARS-CoV-2" however it added that the "role of these viruses in the pathogenesis is not yet clear".

The WHO called for clinical and public health response in the UK while it investigates the cases. It has also launched investigations in Ireland and Spain, the health body said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Reports say the UK has detected severe cases of hepatitis among children including in the US and Europe. Ireland and Spain have also reported acute hepatitis cases in children, the World Health Organisation(WHO) said.

Reports say the UK has detected severe cases of hepatitis among children including in the US and Europe. Ireland and Spain have also reported acute hepatitis cases in children, the World Health Organisation(WHO) said. At least 74 children under 10 have reportedly been detected with the disease in the UK even as the WHO has launched an investigation. Also Read: Cadila gets approval to repurpose Hepatitis C drug for COVID-19 treatment The US CDC said it is investigating cases in Alabama including in other states. Spanish media reported children aged between 2 and 7 had contracted the disease. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and is caused due to several factors including viral infections. The WHO said at least nine children in the UK had fallen ill last month including one in January. Watch: Is it too early to go back to pre-COVID life? The UN health body said it was notified of 10 cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children under the age of 10 years across central Scotland earlier this month and on April 8, 74 cases were identified in the United Kingdom. "Hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, E, and D where applicable) have been excluded after laboratory testing," it said while cautioning that more cases may be reported. Also Read: US-British scientists win Nobel Prize in medicine for Hepatitis C virus discovery WHO said no deaths have been reported while informing that "the United Kingdom has recently observed an increase in adenovirus activity, which is co-circulating with SARS-CoV-2" however it added that the "role of these viruses in the pathogenesis is not yet clear". The WHO called for clinical and public health response in the UK while it investigates the cases. It has also launched investigations in Ireland and Spain, the health body said. (With inputs from Agencies)

US, Europe, UK report severe cases of hepatitis among children

Due to the contaminated water of Shamli's Kairana meat plant, there is panic in the public with the wrath of Hepatitis C and cancer gripping people in the village.

The villagers informed that more than 35 people have died in the last few days after drinking the contaminated water and about 70 percent are suffering from serious illnesses due to the same.

The locals told ANI, "Around 35 people have died due to water-borne diseases but no action has been taken by the government as yet."

Village head Irshad said, "There is a pond of about 35-36 bighas in our village, in which drainage is filled with all the filthy water. And this messy water goes down to the ground floor. Because it comes in from the taps, the people here have black jaundice. The treatment of some people is going on in Rohtak and Meerut. The poor people do not have money hence die."

Shamli CMO Rajkumar accepted the ongoing problem in the village and informed about his next course of action stating that an investigation has been set up and it is going on in full swing.

"We will be setting up health camps and will also get the water tested for investigation. The patients will be tested by camping in the village and the doctors will soon present a report for the same," said Rajkumar.

Shamli CMO Rajkumar accepted the ongoing problem in the village and informed about his next course of action

Due to the contaminated water of Shamli's Kairana meat plant, there is panic in the public with the wrath of Hepatitis C and cancer gripping people in the village. The villagers informed that more than 35 people have died in the last few days after drinking the contaminated water and about 70 percent are suffering from serious illnesses due to the same. The locals told ANI, "Around 35 people have died due to water-borne diseases but no action has been taken by the government as yet." Village head Irshad said, "There is a pond of about 35-36 bighas in our village, in which drainage is filled with all the filthy water. And this messy water goes down to the ground floor. Because it comes in from the taps, the people here have black jaundice. The treatment of some people is going on in Rohtak and Meerut. The poor people do not have money hence die." Shamli CMO Rajkumar accepted the ongoing problem in the village and informed about his next course of action stating that an investigation has been set up and it is going on in full swing. "We will be setting up health camps and will also get the water tested for investigation. The patients will be tested by camping in the village and the doctors will soon present a report for the same," said Rajkumar.

35 die in UP's Shamli village, residents blame meat plant

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