The conditions affect the liver and cause inflammatory or infectious conditions
World Hepatitis Day, July 28, is an important date to raise awareness about these diseases. In addition, the goal is to promote actions aimed at preventing, diagnosing and treating these infections.
Established in 2010 by the World Health Organization (WHO), the date was chosen in honor of the birth of the famous American scientist and microbiologist, Dr. Baruch Blumberg, in 1925. He became a Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine in 1976.
Viral hepatitis, classified as A, B, C, D and E, affects the liver and causes inflammatory or infectious conditions. They can also cause damage to the heart. According to the WHO, strengthened actions such as childhood vaccination against hepatitis B, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the hepatitis B virus, injection safety, harm reduction and testing, diagnosis, treatment and care can help eradication of the disease.
Consequences of hepatitis
Hepatitis can harm your health in a variety of ways. “Because hepatitis is a chronic inflammation, the body goes through a series of inflammations different bodies. The heart, for example, suffers from hardening of the arteries, a process called atherosclerosis, which makes blood flow difficult and increases a person’s chances of having a stroke or acute myocardial infarction,” says cardiologist Dr. Rizzieri Gomes.
Symptoms of viral hepatitis
Globally, according to WHO, in 2022 there were 2.2 million new infections from viral hepatitis, of which 1.2 million were caused by the hepatitis B virus and nearly 1 million by the hepatitis C virus. In addition, 3,500 people die every day from this virus hepatitis B and C infections, for a total of approximately 1.3 million deaths per year, equivalent to tuberculosis as a leading cause of death by infection in the world.
Symptoms of viral hepatitis include:
- Malaise;
- Tiredness;
- Nausea;
- Vomit;
- Dizziness;
- Fever;
- Abdominal pain;
- Dark urine;
- Light stools;
- Yellow eyes.
However, in most cases these are silent infections, which do not present symptoms.
Prevent viral hepatitis
Dr. Rizzieri Gomes gives some advice on how to prevent viral hepatitis:
- Vaccination: in the SUS (Unified Health System) vaccination against hepatitis A and B is free;
- Hydration and hygiene: stick to drinking filtered water, washing your hands and food well;
- Condom use: THE Hepatitis Bfor example, can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. Therefore, sex with the use of a condom is extremely important;
- Precautions for taking care of your nails at home or in the salon: Materials that may come into contact with blood must be properly disinfected, so it is recommended to be very careful when using cuticle nippers and other materials, as they can be a means of transmitting hepatitis C.
It is important to remember that, in Brazil, the most common types of hepatitis they are those of the virus A, B, and C. Hepatitis D virus is more common in North America, while hepatitis E virus is more commonly found in Africa and Asia.
By Mariana Parker
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
