<p><strong style="color: #00485b; text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-color: #00485b;">What is Hepatitis?</strong></p><p><span style="color: #00485b; text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">Often termed the 'silent killer,' Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is one of the leading causes of liver failure and liver cancer. While it can be dangerous if neglected, an effective diagnosis of the disease in its early stages can help stop liver damage. Types A, B, and C are the most common form of Hepatitis.</span></p><p><span style="color: #00485b; text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">In 2021, over 145,100 deaths occurred due to Hepatitis C, making it the deadliest form of Hepatitis. It is believed that only 10% of Hep C cases are diagnosed, with treatment standing at only 1%. This paints a grim picture, especially since the disease is fully curable.</span></p><p><strong style="color: #00485b; text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">Causes </strong></p><p><span style="color: #00485b; text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">Transmission of the disease is through contact with blood or other bodily fluids from an infected person. Reuse of needles and injections, use of unsterilized equipment for tattoos or dental procedures etc., unprotected intercourse, and sharing personal items like toothbrushes and razors can increase the risk of contracting the virus.</span></p><p><strong style="color: #00485b; text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">Treatment and Safety</strong></p><p><span style="color: #00485b; text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">It is recommended that all adults aged 18 or above should get tested for Hepatitis at least once in their life. It is advisable to follow precautions and approved medical advice to protect yourself against the disease. </span></p><p><span style="color: #00485b; text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">While there are vaccines to protect oneself from Hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine available for Hepatitis C. Therefore, the onus is on us to practice caution and follow safety guidelines such as:</span></p><ol><li><span style="color: #00485b; text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">Do not share personal items like toothbrushes and razors</span></li><li><span style="color: #00485b; text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">Do not share needles or syringes when injecting drugs </span></li><li><span style="color: #00485b; text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">Be vigilant of equipment cleanliness when getting tattoos, piercings, or manicures</span></li><li><span style="color: #00485b; text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">Practice good personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene</span></li><li><span style="color: #00485b; text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">Practice safe sex</span></li></ol><p><span style="color: #00485b; text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">Diagnosis of Hepatitis is performed through blood tests. If you have contracted the disease a liver function test may be advised to determine the extent of damage to the liver. Sometimes, a liver biopsy may be needed, which helps identify the form of treatment that may be appropriate. </span></p><p><span style="color: #00485b; text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">The disease can be tackled effectively by taking medicines as prescribed by your doctor, however, early diagnosis plays an essential role in ensuring successful and timely treatment and disease management. </span></p><p><span style="color: #00485b; text-decoration: none solid #00485b;"><strong style="text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">To book an appointment, </strong><span style="text-decoration: none solid #00485b;">call: 021-111-911-911</span></span></p>
