Every year July 28 is observed as the “World Hepatitis Day”. As we know hepatis virus is a contagious virus, prevention is utmost important especially among health care personnel. Hepatitis is categorized as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E.
Hepatitis A is spread through faecal-oral route. It is the the most common among all hepatitis viruses. It spreads through contaminated water and food. Most of the cases are self-limiting. Chronicity to long term complications are less.
Hepatitis B is spread through blood borne and sexual route. It is the most common blood borne viral disease. It can also be transmitted through body fluids like saliva, sweat and serous exudates of body fluids. High concentrations are found in blood, serum. Risk factors include intravenous drugs, blood products, use of contaminated needles like used in tattoos. In case of children infection is transmitted through perinatal exposure from HBѕAg positive mothers. The risk is more if mother is HBeAg positive. Among all hepatitis viruses, the progression to the chronicity is high. The complications are chronic hepatitis and hepato-cellular carcinoma.
credit– news-Medical.Net
Hepatitis C— It most commonly transmitted by blood transfusion. It is the the most common hepatitis virus causing chronic hepatitis.
Hepatitis D — It mostly causes coinfection with Hepatitis B virus. Both may cause hepatitis following acute liver failure.
Clinical features– Non specific symptoms such as fever, malaise, decrease appetite. Jaundice may appear in next stage. Hepatitis leading to inflammation of hepatic cells, necrosis and subsequently liver failure ensues.
Vaccination against hepatitis– Birth dose of 0.5ml given intramuscularly in thigh. It is followed by 3 doses at 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks(Indian schedule). In case of adults 3 doses given at 0,1month , 6month schedule i.e. after giving first dose, 2nd dose given after one month and 3rd dose given at 6months after the first dose.
Vulnerable population– Health care individuals like doctors, nurses, para-medical staff must take hepatitis vaccination due to chances of needle injury.
Credit– CDC
