HEP. CAN'T WAIT!

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis is simply the inflammation of the liver. The Ancient Greek word  _hepa_ refers to the liver, and  _itis_ means inflammation. *According to WHO*, 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* . WHAT CAUSES HEPATITIS? Inflammation of the liver—hepatitis—has several possible causes, including: 1)Toxins and chemicals such as excessive amounts of alcohol 2)Autoimmune diseases that cause the immune system to attack healthy tissues in the body 3)Fat, which may cause fatty liver disease 4)Microorganisms, including viruses. *How is viral hepatitis spread?* Hepatitis A and hepatitis E usually spread through contact with food or water that was contaminated with an infected person's stool. You can also get hepatitis E by eating undercooked pork, deer, or shellfish. Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D spread through contact with the blood of someone who has the disease. Hepatitis B and D may also spread through contact with other body fluids. This can happen in many ways, such as sharing drug needles or having unprotected sex. *What are the symptoms of hepatitis?* Some people with hepatitis do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. If you do have symptoms, they may include: 1)Fever 2)Fatigue 3)Loss of appetite 4)Nausea and/or vomiting 5)Abdominal pain 6)Dark urine 7)Clay-colored bowel movements 8)Joint pain 9)Jaundice, yellowing of the skin and eyes. If a person has an acute infection, the symptoms can start anywhere between 2 weeks to 6 months after the person got infected. If a person has a chronic infection, he/she may not have symptoms until many years later. *What other problems can hepatitis cause?* Chronic hepatitis can lead to complications such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver failure, and liver cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis may prevent these complications. *Management of hepatitis* The following are ways in which hepatitis can be managed; 1) *Proper Sanitation/Sewage Disposal* : This becomes necessary in the management of persons suffering from Hepatitis A virus which is the most common (being found in areas of poor sanitation and sewage disposal) and is transferrable through the faecal-oral route. This would help reduce the spread of the virus and also give individuals infected ample time for their body to fight the virus and become free from it. 2) *Avoiding unprotected Sex and sharing of needles to inject drugs* : this is very important in managing hepatitis B caused by hepatitis B virus which his transferrable through blood and body fluids such as semen and vaginal fluid. This helps to manage the spread of the disease from infected to non-infected persons. It is important to note that most persons with this type of the virus can fight it off and fully recover from the disease, though it could take up to months. 3) *Avoiding blood to blood contact* : this is effective in the management of hepatitis C, though it is also effective in the management of hepatitis B as well. 4) *Reduction in the Amount of alcohol consumed* : reducing the level of alcohol will help in the management of hepatitis caused by excessive intake of alcohol. Excessive intake of alcohol causes damage to the liver cells leading to hepatitis. 6) *Proper management of hepatitis B and A* : This is important in the treatment/management of hepatitis D and E respectively. Other ways of managing the disease includes: A)Bed rest B)Taking medication to treat symptoms. C)Using latex condoms when one wants to engage in sex. *NB: staying away from sex is strongly advised* . D)Vaccination, especially as this can prevent transmission of the disease from mother to child. *Prevention of Hepatitis A* Hepatitis A mostly spreads through infected food and water. Some ways of preventing infection include: 1)washing the hands carefully after using the bathroom and before eating 2)Ensuring that food is fully cooked and appropriately stored 3)Drinking only bottled water when traveling. 4)Avoiding or peeling fruits and vegetables that may have been washed or grown in contaminated water. A person may wish to ask their doctor about the hepatitis A vaccine, especially if they are traveling to an area where the virus is prevalent. *Prevention of Hepatitis B and C* To minimize the risk of transmission: 1)A person should talk openly with any sexual partners about any viruses they may have. 2)Use a barrier method, such as a condom, during sex. 3)Only use previously unused, clean needles. 4)Avoid sharing toothbrushes, razors, and manicure instruments. 5)Check that any tattoo or acupuncture equipment is sterile. *To lower their risk of hepatitis infection and complications, people with HIV should:* 1)Take precautions to prevent infection and transmission of hepatitis 2)Attend all health checks 3)Adhere to their treatment plan 4)Immunization can prevent hepatitis A and B, but not C. Treatment is available for hepatitis B and C, but not A.

STAY SAFE GUYS😊. We the Apothecaries can't wait to have a world free of Discrimination so people with Hepatitis can be free. Kindly share with others😊

By Gregory A. Nagudia et al