Story By : James Dakey
With people dying every 30 seconds from a hepatitis-related illness – we can’t wait to act on viral hepatitis. Hepatitis in Ghana is on the rise. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set a goal to end hepatitis by 2030.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and noninfectious agents leading to a range of health problems, some of which can be fatal. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus, referred to as types A, B, C, D, and E. While they all cause liver disease, they differ in important ways including modes of transmission, the severity of the illness, and geographical distribution, and prevention methods. In particular, types B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and together are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and viral hepatitis-related deaths. An estimated 354 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C, and for most, testing and treatment remain beyond reach.
Some types of hepatitis are preventable through vaccination. A WHO study found that an estimated 4.5 million premature deaths could be prevented in low- and middle-income countries by 2030 through vaccination, diagnostic tests, medicines, and education campaigns. WHO’s global hepatitis strategy, endorsed by all WHO the Member States, aims to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90% and deaths by 65% between 2016 and 2030.
So our aim at Vivahealthmag is to work together to make this happen by educating the General Public on Hepatitis as we mark this day.
Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis
The most common symptoms of hepatitis are fever, fatigue, muscle ache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Sometimes people with hepatitis don’t have any signs or symptoms at all.
How is Hepatitis Spread?
Hepatitis can be spread through contact with blood, secretions, or other bodily fluids from an infected person. It can also be spread through contact with objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus.
Can Hepatitis Be Prevented?
Yes! There are several ways to prevent hepatitis: washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, eating safe food, and drinking clean water. Anyone can get hepatitis, but it’s most common in young adults and people who have multiple sexual partners. It’s also common in people who use illicit drugs, HIV-positive people, and people with chronic liver disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis?
The symptoms of hepatitis vary depending on the type of hepatitis you have. But they usually include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, clay-colored stools, and pale skin. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. If you have hepatitis A or B , your fever may go down after a few days but you may experience ongoing diarrhea or vomiting for a week or more. If you have hepatitis C , your fever will rarely go down and you may develop jaundice and other liver problems.
How do we avoid Hepatitis in our community?
Step 1: Educate Yourself on Viral Hepatitis
Learn about the different types of hepatitis and their symptoms.
Step 2: Get vaccinated if you’re at increased risk
If you’re not immune to hepatitis A and B, get vaccinated against those diseases. You can also get vaccinated against hepatitis C if you are at risk for that infection.
Step 3: Practice safe sex
Use condoms consistently and correctly to prevent sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis A and B, and hepatitis C.
Step 4: Avoid contact with blood, secretions, or other bodily fluids from an infected person
Avoid close contact with people who are sick or have recently been in contact with someone who is sick. When possible, use a separate bathroom when someone is sick.
Get Organized to Spread the Word
Lobby for Funding for Research and Treatment
Support Programs that Help People with Hepatitis
-Call your elected officials and urge them to support the Hepatitis C Prevention and Treatment Act of 2019.
-Volunteer with local organizations that support hepatitis awareness and prevention.
-Create and share content about hepatitis prevention on social media.
-Educate yourself and your friends about hepatitis C and the need to take preventative measures
-Write a blog post or share it on social media to raise awareness about World Hepatitis Day
-Talk to your healthcare provider about getting screened for hepatitis C
