Experts call for timely screening, vaccination against hepatitis infections
Expert called for greater awareness, timely screening, and vaccination in preventing hepatitis infections during a webinar organised as part of The Hindu Wellness Series. The
Expert called for greater awareness, timely screening, and vaccination in preventing hepatitis infections during a webinar organised as part of The Hindu Wellness Series. The webinar, ‘Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down – Prevention, Early Detection, Cure’, held on Monday, was presented by Kauvery Hospital on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day on July 28. Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by viruses A, B, C, D, A. Shafique, Interventional Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli, explained how each infection is transmitted and said that while Hepatitis A and E are less serious and have a lower risk of becoming chronic, Hepatitis B and C are dangerous and can even lead to liver cancer.
Shafique explained the risk factors and modes of transmission and called for universal screening, i.e., screening all adults above 18 years of age, especially pregnant women and people with certain comorbidities. Both Hepatitis B and C are silent infections in the early stages but can lead to chronic infections. Screening helps identify liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, he added. Swati Raju, senior consultant, Medical Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplant Hepatology, Kauvery Hospital, Chennai - Vadapalani, discussed the various symptoms, warning signs, and complications of hepatitis infections. Swati explained that when a hepatitis infection affects the liver, it causes inflammation, which, if it worsens, can lead to permanent damage that may remain silent for years.
The scarring, or fibrosis, gradually increases and can progress to cirrhosis, a condition in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. She said that Hepatitis B may require lifelong treatment in some cases, while Hepatitis C can generally be treated with a finite course of medication. Both Hepatitis B and C require long-term surveillance; even if the virus is inactive, patients may continue to face the risk of developing tumours, making regular, annual check-ups necessary, she added. U.V.U. Vamsidhar Reddy, clinical lead, Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Kauvery Hospital, Chennai - Radial Road and Tirunelveli, emphasised the role of vaccines against Hepatitis A and B, and said vaccination plays an important role in preventing these infections.
He added that a vaccine for Hepatitis C is not currently available, though there are effective antiviral treatments for the condition. Vamsidhar also highlighted the importance of lifestyle modifications in reducing the progression of liver disease.
The BriefWire