Each year on July 28, World Hepatitis Day serves as a global call to action to raise awareness
about viral hepatitis a group of infectious diseases that affect over 350 million people
worldwide. Despite being preventable and treatable, hepatitis remains one of the most
overlooked global health challenges.
This article brings together the essentials you need to know — from understanding the types
and causes of hepatitis, to recognizing early symptoms, the role of vaccines, and how testing
can save lives.
🔬 Understanding Hepatitis: Types, Causes & Transmission
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viral infections. There are five
primary types:
1. Hepatitis A (HAV)
o Cause: Contaminated food or water.
o Spread: Fecal-oral route.
o Prevention: Vaccine, hygiene, safe food practices.
o Course: Usually self-limiting.
2. Hepatitis B (HBV)
o Cause: Blood, sexual contact, mother-to-child.
o Spread: Unprotected sex, shared needles, childbirth.
o Prevention: Highly effective vaccine available.
o Impact: Can lead to chronic infection, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
3. Hepatitis C (HCV)
o Cause: Bloodborne.
o Spread: Contaminated needles, transfusions (rare now), poor infection control.
o Prevention: No vaccine, but curable with antivirals.
o Impact: Often silent until liver damage is advanced.
4. Hepatitis D (HDV)
o Cause: Occurs only in people with HBV.
o Spread: Blood or sexual contact.
o Prevention: Preventing HBV is key.
o Impact: More severe liver disease when combined with HBV.
5. Hepatitis E (HEV)
o Cause: Contaminated water.
o Spread: Fecal-oral route.
o Prevention: Clean water, hygiene.
o Risk: Dangerous in pregnant women.
🚨 Early Symptoms of Hepatitis You Shouldn’t Ignore
Many types of hepatitis can remain silent in early stages, especially B and C, but there are subtle
signs that may appear:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Abdominal discomfort (especially upper right side)
- Low-grade fever
- Joint pain
⚠️Important: These symptoms are often mistaken for general illness. If you experience them
— especially with risk factors like blood transfusion history, IV drug use, or unsafe sex — get
tested promptly.💉Vaccination: Your First Line of Defense
The good news? Hepatitis A and B are vaccine-preventable. Vaccines offer long-term
protection and are recommended for: - All infants and children
- Healthcare workers
- Travelers to endemic areas
- People with chronic liver/kidney conditions
- Dialysis patients
- People living with HIV or at risk due to lifestyle
Sadly, there is no vaccine yet for Hepatitis C, but advancements in antiviral treatments have
made it curable in most cases.🧪 How is Hepatitis Diagnosed?
Timely diagnosis saves lives — especially for chronic hepatitis B and C, which can silently cause
liver damage.
Here’s how it’s typically diagnosed:1. Blood Tests
o Check for viral markers (HAV IgM, HBsAg, Anti-HCV, etc.)
o Determine viral load (especially for HBV and HCV)2. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
o Measures enzymes like ALT, AST — elevated levels indicate liver inflammation.3. Ultrasound or Fibroscan
o Assesses liver damage or fibrosis in chronic cases.4. PCR or Genotyping (Advanced)
o For planning treatment, especially in Hepatitis C.👉Tip: If you’ve ever had a blood transfusion before 1992, undergone dialysis, shared needles,
or had unprotected sex with multiple partners — get screened.
🛡️ Your Role in the Global Fight Against Hepatitis
World Hepatitis Day 2025 isn’t just about awareness — it’s a reminder that elimination is
possible. Here’s what you can do: - Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B
- Practice safe hygiene and safe sex
- Avoid sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes
- Use clean needles — including for tattoos or piercings
- Get tested if you’re at risk
- Encourage others to #KnowHepatitis and get screened
World Hepatitis Day, Dr. Tahir Ilyas — Consultant Physician at Tabba Kidney Institute — shares
important insights about Hepatitis, its symptoms, and preventative measures you can take to
protect your liver