This month, which is World Hepatitis Day, we want you to know the different types that exist so that you can take preventive actions and thus prevent it from becoming a chronic condition. Hepatitis is a disease caused by viruses and responsible for high levels of morbidity and mortality throughout the world.
57% of cases of liver cirrhosis and 78% of cases of primary liver cancer are caused by hepatitis B and C viruses, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) (paho.org). Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver and is commonly the result of a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis, including autoimmune hepatitis that occurs because of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are five types of hepatitis that you should know and that today we are going to explain to you so that you pay attention to the prevention process because it will avoid many headaches.
Hepatitis A
It is an inflammation of the liver due to infection by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is mainly spread when an uninfected (and unvaccinated) person ingests water or food contaminated by feces from an infected person.
The infection is closely associated with the consumption of unsafe food and water, poor sanitation, poor personal hygiene, and is one of the most common among the population.
Hepatitis B
It is a life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It represents a major health problem worldwide. It can become chronic and carries a high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. There is a safe and effective vaccine that confers 98 to 100% protection against the virus.
Hepatitis C
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes acute and chronic infections. Acute infections are usually asymptomatic and, for the most part, do not carry a fatal risk. It is transmitted through blood, and the most common causes of transmission are:
- Reuse or inadequate sterilization of medical material in health establishments, especially syringes and needles.
- • Injection drug use by sharing injection equipment.
- Consumption of injecting drugs by sharing injection equipment.
Hepatitis D
It is also an inflammation of the liver due to infection by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). There are at least four different types of this virus (genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4). Genotypes 1 and 2 have only been found in humans. Genotypes 3 and 4 circulate in various animals, including pigs, wild boars, and deer, without causing disease.
Hepatitis E
It is also an inflammation of the liver due to infection by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). There are at least four different types of this virus (genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4). Genotypes 1 and 2 have only been found in humans. Genotypes 3 and 4 circulate in various animals including pigs, wild boars, and deer without causing disease.
What can I do to prevent the different types of Hepatitis?
There are many ways to prevent hepatitis, although only types A and B can be prevented through vaccination because, for now, there is no specific vaccine for types C, D, and E. Remember that it is important that you educate yourself about the difference at home that you can make by keeping your hands disinfected after going to the bathroom as well as cleaning the food that is going to be consumed.
On the other hand, it is recommended to have sex with a condom and not to share any type of item for personal use. If there is a history of people with liver problems in your family, it is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy diet, exercise, and drink water regularly to stay hydrated.
In the case of tattoos and piercings, it is recommended to do them in certified places and with the best hygiene protocols to avoid any type of infection. Likewise, it is important to have regular checkups every six months so that they can identify any irregularities that later become chronic.
Remember that the prevention is the key to prevent a disease from becoming chronic, that's why in BMI Remember that prevention is the key to preventing a disease from becoming chronic, which is why at BMI we insist on the importance of frequent visits to your family doctor to monitor your state of health and help you avoid the development of any pathology.
Liver diseases are painful processes for the patient and their family. To avoid you or someone close to you going through something like this, take note of the types of hepatitis that we have specified, but more importantly, of the measures that are to be taken for prevention.
