Mumbai doctors highlight simple steps to prevent hepatitis

As per the World Health Organization data 2022 approximately 13 million people die each year from chronic viral hepatitis B and C The low diagnosis rate combined with limited treatment coverage poses a significant challengeEvery year World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 and is a crucial reminder to take proactive steps against hepatitis a silent threat that can lead to severe health complicationsDr Harish K C consultant medical gastroenterology Manipal Hospital Millers Road Bengaluru and Dr Alisha Chaubal principal consultant hepatology Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital Mumbai delve into expertbacked strategies to prevent hepatitisFrom ensuring safe drinking water and practicing everyday hygiene to understanding crucial vaccines and the importance of early testing these measures can significantly reduce your risk Learn how one can safeguard your liver and contribute to a healthier future starting todaySafeguarding against Hepatitis A and E Focus on food and waterHepatitis A and E are frequently linked to contaminated food and water posing a significant risk especially during Indias monsoon season when water pollution is heightenedDr Harish emphasises To keep safe people should only consume cooked water or use ROUVfiltered water Avoid drinking tap water and roadside beverages He further advises sticking to freshly cooked hot food and avoiding raw salads street food and cut fruits Wash all fruits and vegetables well in clean water or soak them in a moderate potassium permanganate solution he recommendsHe also suggests feeding fruits yourself rather than buying precut ones and avoiding seafood during the monsoon season due to increased pollution risks Proper water storage in fresh sealed vessels that can be accessed without direct hand contact is another key precaution These minor but important precautions can significantly reduce the risk of hepatitis during this highrisk season Dr Harish notesEveryday hygiene Beyond handwashingWhile handwashing is fundamental a broader approach to hygiene is vital in preventing all types of hepatitisAccording to Dr Harish it is important to follow these critical everyday hygiene practices He explains Maintaining proper food hygiene drinking safe and filtered water keeping fingernails clean and short regularly cleaning kitchen and bathroom surfaces and avoiding the sharing of personal items like razors toothbrushes and needles He highlights that Hepatitis A and E are primarily spread through contaminated food or water making thorough washing of fruits and vegetables and practicing food safety essential Hepatitis B and C on the other hand are transmitted through blood and bodily fluids necessitating the use of sterile equipment for tattoos or piercings and ensuring proper sterilization in medical or dental settings It is also important to wash hands not just after using the toilet but before preparing or serving food he addsDr Harish also debunks common misconceptions He explains A common misconception is that hand sanitisers are enough for hygiene but while useful they do not remove dirt or faecal matter effectively Another widespread myth he addresses is that hepatitis is solely caused by poor sanitation or is only a risk for drug users when in fact even cleanlooking environments can harbour contaminated food or water and visits to salons or clinics with inadequate sterilization can pose risks He concludes ldquoPreventing hepatitis requires consistent and thorough hygiene practices not just occasional cautionThe power of vaccination Hepatitis BVaccination plays a pivotal role in preventing hepatitis particularly Hepatitis BTo prevent mothertochild transmission the Hepatitis B immunization schedule in India begins with a birth dose which is ideally administered within 24 hours of delivery explains Dr Harish This is followed by three additional doses at 6 10 and 14 weeks of age with a potential booster later in life depending on individual health status Beyond newborns Dr Harish emphasises ldquoHighrisk populations should be vaccinated include healthcare professionals laboratory personnel persons with chronic liver disease dialysis users and those who live with someone who has hepatitis B He assures ldquoAdults who missed childhood vaccination can still follow the threedose schedule stressing that the vaccine is safe and effective and reduces the risk of longterm liver issuesRecognising early symptoms and the importance of testingEarly detection of hepatitis is crucial for effective management and preventing progressionHe further highlights Early symptoms of hepatitis are often mild and can be mistaken for those of other infections These subtle signs include dark urine a lowgrade fever nausea fatigue and appetite loss Jaundice or yellowing of the eyes or skin can occur gradually or quickly in certain people and that claycoloured stools and abdominal pain could also be warning signsrdquoThe health expert urges immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms appear especially after recent travel consumption of potentially contaminated food or water or contact with an infected person He strongly advises against waiting for jaundice ldquoBy then liver damage may have progressed With early diagnostics issues can be avoided and future spread can be limited he addsProtecting against Hepatitis D HDV for HBV carriersIndividuals living with chronic Hepatitis B HBV face increased health risks if exposed to Hepatitis D HDV a virus dependent on HBV for its replication As there is no vaccine for HDV preventing exposure remains the sole protective strategy for those already infected with HBVOn the other hand Dr Chaubal highlights key preventive measures for HBV carriers1 Consistent antiviral therapy Maintaining HBV viral suppression through regular antiviral treatment significantly reduces vulnerability to HDV infection and limits the severity of potential complications2 Avoiding shared items She advises against sharing personal items like razors toothbrushes and needles which can transmit viruses through blood contamination3 Practicing safe sex Consistent use of condoms reduces the risk of HDV transmission through sexual activity4 Blood screening Ensuring thorough screening of blood products before transfusion protects against inadvertent HDV exposure5 Regular monitoring Frequent monitoring of HBV viral load helps in early detection of superinfection allowing timely interventionsThe benefits of early hepatitis testingEarly detection of hepatitis profoundly impacts prognosis and disease progression Since Hepatitis B or C often remain asymptomatic in early stages proactive testing is criticalDr Chaubal outlines the benefits of early testing1 Prompt treatment initiation Early antiviral therapy can halt or slow down the progression of liver damage preventing fibrosis cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma HCC2 Identification of silent carriers Early screening identifies individuals who unknowingly carry the virus enabling interventions to prevent further spread3 Ongoing liver monitoring Regular liver function tests LFTs elastography and alphafetoprotein AFP tests facilitate ongoing assessment of liver healthIn India several tests are readily accessible1 HBsAg test Detects Hepatitis B surface antigen serving as a primary screening tool2 AntiHCV antibody and HCV RNA testing Initial antibody tests followed by RNA testing confirm Hepatitis C virus presence3 HDV antibody testing Specifically recommended for individuals already infected with HBV though availability may be limited to select specialised centres4 Rapid diagnostic kits Provided through programs like the National Health Mission NHM and the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program NVHCP as well as private laboratoriesLifestyle choices for liver healthBeyond direct infection prevention lifestyle choices significantly influence liver health and resilience Adopting specific modifications can substantially benefit individuals at risk or already diagnosed with hepatitisDr Chaubal recommends1 Alcohol avoidance Abstaining from alcohol is crucial as alcohol significantly accelerates liver damage in hepatitis cases2 Healthy weight management Maintaining a healthy weight prevents the onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease which complicates hepatitis management3 Balanced nutritious diet Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants found in leafy greens berries lean proteins and omega3 fatty acids supports liver function and overall health4 Regular physical activity Routine exercise enhances insulin sensitivity and assists in reducing liver fat improving metabolic function5 Medication Vigilance Avoiding unnecessary medications particularly hepatotoxic drugs and supplements minimises liver strain6 Routine Health Checkups Regular assessments of liver health can detect and manage hepatitis progression earlyImmediate action after potential exposureImmediate action following potential hepatitis exposure can effectively prevent infection or reduce severity Promptness is keyDr Chaubal provides guidance1 For HBV exposure Administer Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin HBIG within 24 to 72 hours followed immediately by the HBV vaccination series If previously vaccinated checking antiHBs antibody levels is crucial and revaccination may be needed based on results2 For HCV exposure While no immediate prophylaxis exists for Hepatitis C baseline testing followed by regular followup assessments is essential Early initiation of directacting antiviral DAA therapy upon acute infection detection can reduce chronicity risk3 For HDV exposure Since HDV depends on HBV infection timely HBV vaccination provides effective protection against HDV in uninfected individualsFor all potential hepatitis exposures including needlestick injuries unprotected sexual contact or mucosal contact with blood Dr Chaubal stresses these essential steps Immediate thorough washing of the exposed site immediate reporting and documentation of the incident and comprehensive serological testing with routine followupPrompt and informed action can drastically reduce hepatitis infection risks and its longterm health consequences By taking these simple steps you can actively protect your liver and contribute to a healthier future