Hepatitis infection can be fatal. The best treatment is prevention. For this, vaccination and cleanliness are necessary. Also, do not try to cure its severe symptoms with home remedies. 

Every year 28th July is celebrated as World Hepatitis Day, so that people can be made aware about this serious and often overlooked disease. The WHO report shows that in the year 2022, about 1.3 million deaths occurred worldwide due to hepatitis. And the most shocking thing is that two-thirds of the cases were found in only 10 countries, of which India and China are at the top. Every 30 seconds one life is being lost due to viral hepatitis. But the relief is that it can be avoided. 

What is hepatitis and why is it dangerous?

Hepatitis is a silent virus infection. It causes inflammation in the liver, which can lead to cirrhosis and cancer if left untreated. There are five types of it. A and E viruses spread through dirty water and spoiled food. B, C and D viruses spread through blood, infected needles, unsafe sex and from mother to child. Hepatitis B and C are considered the most dangerous because they can remain hidden in the body for years without any symptoms. By the time it is detected, the liver is badly affected. 

How serious is the situation in India?

About 2.5 crore people in India are infected with hepatitis B. According to WHO, 11.6% of the world's viral hepatitis cases are in India. The shocking thing is that 90% of these people do not even know that they are infected. During the rainy season, cases of hepatitis A and E increase by 40%, especially in slums, villages and towns, where there is a huge lack of clean water and sanitation.

Reasons for the increase in hepatitis

 - Transfusion of infected blood

- Repeated use of the same needle or injection

- Infection from an infected mother to the newborn

- Unsafe sex

- Lack of clean water and vaccination

- Belief in witchcraft and home remedies

Common symptoms of hepatitis

Fever

Fatigue

Loss of appetite

Nausea and/or vomiting

Stomach pain

Dark urine

Clay-colored bowel movements

Joint pain

Jaundice, yellowing of the skin and eyes

What is the solution?

Every newborn should be given hepatitis B vaccine on time. Testing should be cheap and accessible. Awareness should be spread through social media. Frontline health workers should be trained so that they can identify the early symptoms. Hepatitis should be seen as a disease, not as a sin or shame.

Disclaimer: The information given here is based on home remedies and general information. Take medical advice before adopting it. News Crab does not confirm this.

PC:Zeenews