Every year on July 28th, the world unites to raise awareness about a silent yet serious health threat—hepatitis. Marked as World Hepatitis Day, this global observance shines a light on the millions of people living with undiagnosed or untreated hepatitis infections, many of whom face life-threatening complications like liver failure, cirrhosis, or cancer.
While hepatitis can be deadly, it is also preventable, treatable, and in some cases, curable. This blog explores what hepatitis is, how it spreads, its symptoms, the different types, and how we can work together to reduce its impact—because awareness is the first step toward prevention and healing.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a viral infection that leads to inflammation of the liver. The liver plays a crucial role in processing nutrients, filtering the blood, and fighting infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its proper functioning can be compromised. The condition can progress to fibrosis(scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer.
How is it spread?
- ● The virus can be ingested, even in microscopic amounts, through close personal contact with an infected person, or by consuming contaminated food or drink.
- ● Additionally, heavy alcohol use, exposure to toxins, certain medications, and specific medical conditions can also cause hepatitis.
- ● It can be spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids, even in small quantities, enter the body of an uninfected individual.
- ● Other transmission routes include birth to an infected pregnant person, sharing needles or syringes, sharing medical equipment like glucose monitors, and, although less commonly, sharing personal items such as toothbrushes or razors.
- ● Poor infection control in healthcare facilities and unregulated tattoos or body piercings with contaminated instruments can also contribute to the spread of the virus.
*It’s worth noting that although the virus can be found in saliva, it is not spread through activities such as kissing or sharing utensils.
Symptoms:
● Fever
● Fatigue
● Loss of appetite
● Nausea
● Vomiting
● Abdominal pain
● Dark urine
● Light-colored stools
● Joint pain
● Jaundice
Types of Hepatitis:
In the United States, the most prevalent types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Hepatitis A
This form is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and is highly contagious. Most often, it spreads in areas with poor sanitation and is found in the stool and blood of infected individuals. Symptoms can last up to two months. Fortunately, hepatitis A does not typically lead to long-lasting illness, and there is a safe, effective vaccine to prevent it.
Hepatitis B
This type is a significant contributor to liver cancer worldwide. Its severity can range from a mild illness that lasts a few weeks to a lifelong chronic condition. The good news is, a vaccine is also available to prevent hepatitis B, and in many cases, antiviral medications can help manage the disease.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is curable in over 95% of cases. However, nearly 40% of people with hepatitis C are unaware they are infected. In 2020, hepatitis C–related deaths were highest among American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic Black individuals. Notably, hepatitis C is one of the leading causes of liver transplants and liver cancer in the U.S. Like hepatitis B, it can start as a mild illness but often becomes chronic, with 80% to 85% of individuals developing long-term infection.
Treatment:
As mentioned earlier, vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B, and they offer strong protection. For hepatitis B, in addition to vaccination, doctors may prescribe antiviral medications to help control the infection.
Although there is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, the condition can be treated with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) tablets. These medications are highly effective, clearing the infection in more than 90% of patients. Treatment typically lasts between 8 to 12 weeks.
Therefore, preventing the spread of hepatitis and improving access to testing and treatment is critical for public health. By taking preventive steps and encouraging early detection, we can reduce the number of cases and protect our communities from serious liver disease.
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Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Medline Plus , U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Author: Keysha Pomales Pharm.D.