How to protect yourself against hepatitis
TOMORROW is World Hepatitis Day, which is observed every year to raise global awareness of this infectious disease. Hepatitis affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, causing acute and chronic disease and killing close to 1.4 million people a year.
The Independent Community Pharmacy Association (Icpa) offers the following advice on what hepatitis is, who is at risk and how to protect yourself from this prevalent disease. What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world, but other infections, toxic substances (eg alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis.
There are five main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. Types B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and, together, are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer. How is it caused/spread?
Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of contact with infected body fluids. Common modes of transmission for these viruses include receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment and for hepatitis B transmission from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child and also by sexual contact. What are the symptoms of hepatitis?
Acute infection may occur with limited or no symptoms, or may include symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. What are the different hepatitis viruses?
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is present in the faeces of infected people and is most often transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water or food. Certain sex practices can also spread HAV.
Infections are in many cases mild, with most people making a full recovery and remaining immune from further HAV infections. However, HAV infections can also be severe and life-threatening. The good news is that safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HAV.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through exposure to infected 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 during medical procedures and through drug use that involves needles.
HBV also poses a risk to health-care workers who sustain accidental needle stick injuries while caring for infected-HBV patients. As with hepatitis A, safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HBV.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is mostly transmitted through exposure to infected blood. This may happen through transfusions of HCV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through drug use that involves needles.
Hepatitis D virus ( HDV) infections occur only in those who are infected with hepatitis B. 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 and is increasingly recognised as an important cause of disease in developed countries. Safe and effective vaccines to prevent HEV infection have been developed.
Protect yourself from hepatitis
Mark Payne, chief executive of Icpa, said people can protect themselves from hepatitis by doing the following:
Use caution and wear gloves when touching or cleaning up other people’s blood;
Don’t share razors, toothbrushes, pierced earrings or other personal items with anyone;
Use condoms if you have multiple sexual partners or when having sex with an infected person;
Don’t share gum;
Make certain any needles or other sharp implements for drugs, ear piercing, manicuring or tattooing are properly sterilised;
Be careful about the water you drink when travelling abroad.
“Effective vaccines are available against hepatitis and it is highly recommended that you go for immunisation if you think you are at risk, now or in the future. It is particularly recommended that you are vaccinated if you are planning to travel to a country that does not have proper sanitation,” said Payne.
Icpa was formed in May 2011 to provide independent community pharmacy with collective strength and a coherent voice.