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July 28 is Hepatitis Day.
Besides alcohol consumption, a series of deadly infections that spread through water, food and even blood transfusion can cause hepatitis (liver infection).
The virus may be transmitted through saliva of the first eater to the second person sharing an apple, warn doctors. "Every month about 20 to 30 cases are detected in Pune in which people catch liver infection even though they do not consume alcohol. An equal number of people approach us suffering from liver problems due to consumption of alcohol and hepatitis B infection," said senior gastroenterologist Parimal Lawate of Jehangir Hospital.
Prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibody in India is around 1%. Studies carried out in different regions of India indicate genotype 3 as the most commonly identified genotype. "Transfusion and use of unsterile syringes are the dominant mode of transmission of HCV in India. 80% of post-transfusion hepatitis in India is due to HCV 3. 15%-20% of all chronic liver disease and hepatocellular cancer in India are caused by HCV," Gadhikar said.
iruses that damage the liver * The hepatitis A virus is transmitted primarily by the faecal-oral route. This is when an uninfected person ingests food or water that has been contaminated with the faeces of an infected person.
* The hepatitis E virus is also transmitted via the faecal-oral route, principally via contaminated water. Risk factors for hepatitis E are related to poor sanitation.
* Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted between people through contact with the blood or other body fluids (ie saliva, semen and vaginal fluid) of an infected person. It is very unlikely that it can be contracted through kissing or sharing cutlery
* The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread through direct contact with infected blood. Very rarely it may be passed on through other body fluids although this is currently unclear
To avoid liver infection from hepatitis A and E viruses
* Wash hands after using the loo
* Keep utensils used by the infected person separate from other utensils
* Use household bleach to disinfect hard surfaces
To avoid infection from hepatitis B and C
* Avoid sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors
* Abstain from promiscuous sexual activity, or use protection
* Handle objects contaminated with blood with special care, like wearing gloves when drawing blood if you work in a hospital
* Do not share drug needles if you use IV drugs and making sure that tattoo and piercing artists and acupuncturists use sterile needles
* Heat contaminated articles for one minute to kill the virus
World Hepatitis Day: Viral infections could also harm liver, say doctors - Times Of India
Besides alcohol consumption, a series of deadly infections that spread through water, food and even blood transfusion can cause hepatitis (liver infection).
The virus may be transmitted through saliva of the first eater to the second person sharing an apple, warn doctors. "Every month about 20 to 30 cases are detected in Pune in which people catch liver infection even though they do not consume alcohol. An equal number of people approach us suffering from liver problems due to consumption of alcohol and hepatitis B infection," said senior gastroenterologist Parimal Lawate of Jehangir Hospital.
Prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibody in India is around 1%. Studies carried out in different regions of India indicate genotype 3 as the most commonly identified genotype. "Transfusion and use of unsterile syringes are the dominant mode of transmission of HCV in India. 80% of post-transfusion hepatitis in India is due to HCV 3. 15%-20% of all chronic liver disease and hepatocellular cancer in India are caused by HCV," Gadhikar said.
iruses that damage the liver * The hepatitis A virus is transmitted primarily by the faecal-oral route. This is when an uninfected person ingests food or water that has been contaminated with the faeces of an infected person.
* The hepatitis E virus is also transmitted via the faecal-oral route, principally via contaminated water. Risk factors for hepatitis E are related to poor sanitation.
* Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted between people through contact with the blood or other body fluids (ie saliva, semen and vaginal fluid) of an infected person. It is very unlikely that it can be contracted through kissing or sharing cutlery
* The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread through direct contact with infected blood. Very rarely it may be passed on through other body fluids although this is currently unclear
To avoid liver infection from hepatitis A and E viruses
* Wash hands after using the loo
* Keep utensils used by the infected person separate from other utensils
* Use household bleach to disinfect hard surfaces
To avoid infection from hepatitis B and C
* Avoid sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors
* Abstain from promiscuous sexual activity, or use protection
* Handle objects contaminated with blood with special care, like wearing gloves when drawing blood if you work in a hospital
* Do not share drug needles if you use IV drugs and making sure that tattoo and piercing artists and acupuncturists use sterile needles
* Heat contaminated articles for one minute to kill the virus
World Hepatitis Day: Viral infections could also harm liver, say doctors - Times Of India
