HEPATITIS: THE SILENT KILLER

ANCHE JOSEPH ZECHARIAH

U13MM1049

When it comes to health issues, the average Nigerian doesn’t care and don’t want to know about their health status. They forget the fact that before one can be able to do things or aim for his or her goals, he or she must be healthy to do that. There are so many illnesses and diseases which do not allow people to carry on with their day to day activities and most times lead to deaths. Due to the Nigerian mentality when someone dies we always put it that “that’s how God wants it” forgetting the fact that they didn’t take good care of their body to stay healthy.

The case of Hepatitis has become so rampant which needs to be addressed. Hepatitis is the inflammation (swelling) of the liver. Although hepatitis can be the symptom of many illnesses, it has many causes, including poisoning, bacterial infection and autoimmune conditions (diseases in which the body's immune system attacks healthy cells). However, it's most commonly caused by a group of viruses that attack the liver and spread from person to person. The liver's main job is to filter harmful chemicals and toxins from the blood. It also converts proteins and sugars into useful substances, stores them, and releases them when your body needs them. Many people with hepatitis have mild symptoms or none at all. They may go decades or a lifetime without a diagnosis, but can still spread the disease to others. Inflammation can make it difficult for the liver to perform these functions, leading to illness and most a times death.

The most common forms of hepatitis are; Hepatitis A (HAV), a relatively mild form of acute hepatitis. In rare cases, it can cause acute liver failure (usually in older people or in people who already have liver disease). Hepatitis B (HBV), a form of hepatitis that often starts as acute illness but may become chronic in some people. Hepatitis C (HCV), which causes acute illness in 20–30 percent of infected persons and chronic illness in 75–85 percent. Less common forms include: Hepatitis D (HDV), a virus that only affects people with hepatitis B. Hepatitis E (HEV), which is similar to hepatitis A and are very rare.

The major causes and risk factors of hepatitis vary according to the type of Hepatitis Virus. Hepatitis A (HAV) is spread by ingesting even microscopic amounts of feces from an infected person. This can happen through close personal contact or infected food or water. Raw shellfish that has been contaminated by sewage is a common source of infection. Hepatitis B (HBV) on the other hand is transmitted through contact with the body fluids of an infected person, including blood, vaginal fluid and semen. The virus can also be passed from mother to baby during birth. Hepatitis C (HDV) is usually spread by contact with infected needles (either during IV drug use or accidental needle sticks) or during childbirth. It's also sometimes transmitted during sexual contact or by sharing personal hygiene products like shaving razors.

Being infected with Hepatitis no matter the form or type is not a pleasant experience; hence, there is a need to prevent being infected as much as possible. In order to prevent it, you should consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if you weren't vaccinated as a child. This is the number one way to prevent these illnesses. Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing a baby's diaper and before handling food. Others include practicing safe sex. Hepatitis B is about 50–100 times more transmissible during sex than HIV. Condoms and other barrier methods greatly reduce the risk. Never share syringes, shaving razors, toothbrushes or tattooing or piercing supplies and follow all occupational safety precautions in your workplace.

While it is very important that preventive measures are put in place, there are circumstances that can’t be avoided so it is important to know how to treat yourself if infected. The first and most important thing to do when you are infected is to seek medical attention, in some cases, your doctor may recommend vaccination or injections of immune globulin (a product containing antibodies made from human blood plasma) to prevent or halt infection. But in other circumstances, self-care for hepatitis includes getting plenty of rest, stay hydrated, eat a balanced, nutritious diet. Choose high-calorie foods if your appetite is poor and protecting the liver by avoiding alcohol and check with a healthcare professional before taking medications or supplements.

Being informed and updated on diseases and their preventive measures as well as treatments help keep the society a better and healthy place. Health they say is wealth so it is important to take our health seriously and seek help when you feel the slightest discomfort.