July 28 marks World Hepatitis Day. The World Health Organization has set a goal to eliminate hepatitis globally by 2030, yet the disease still affects more than 300 million people worldwide. To learn more about how to recognize symptoms of hepatitis and be proactive about keeping yourself safe, we sat down with Dr. Eduardo Vega, a Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary surgeon in the Department of Surgery at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center and an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Boston University School of Medicine.
Q: What is hepatitis? What do the different letters signify?
A: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by various factors, including viral infection, autoimmune disease, or alcohol and drug use. Different types of hepatitis are indicated by the letters of the alphabet. For example:
- Hepatitis A is spread through food or water contamination. It is usually common in children and underdeveloped countries.
- Hepatitis B is transmitted through body fluid contact. Those with Hepatitis B can also be infected with Hepatitis D.
- Hepatitis C is spread through blood-to-blood contact.
Q: What are the symptoms of hepatitis? When should you go see a doctor to get checked out?
A: Symptoms include fever, fatigue, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stool, and joint pain. However, symptoms are often vague and may present themselves similarly to the flu. Hepatitis is a silent infection, meaning you often don’t know you have it until symptoms are severe. Without treatment, hepatitis progresses into cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver.
Q: What are some ways that you can be proactive and protect yourself against hepatitis?
A: The good thing is that we have vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B. Those are available, and all adults should at least get vaccinated for Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B vaccination also provides protection against hepatitis D. Ask your primary care physician if you need a vaccination.
However, other types of hepatitis do not have vaccinations available. To protect yourself:
- Good hygiene practices: Such as washing hands frequently and avoiding sharing personal items.
- Safe food and water: Especially in areas where hepatitis A and E are common.
- Safe sex practices: Use to reduce the risk of hepatitis B and C.
- Avoiding needle sharing: Critical for preventing hepatitis B and C.
Q: How is hepatitis treated?
A: Symptoms for Hepatitis A and E often go away on their own and may require supportive care that can be provided as needed to manage symptoms. Hepatitis B and C may require antiviral medication. Consult your primary care physician if you are concerned about symptoms or believe you may have been exposed.
Q: If a loved one or a family member is diagnosed with hepatitis, what are some ways that you can be there for them and support them?
A: It’s important to educate yourself and be there for emotional support. There is a lot of stigma around hepatitis and some of the ways it can be transmitted, particularly through bodily fluids. However, most transmission of hepatitis—through blood-to-blood contact or food and water contamination—is random. Helping your loved one understand that treatment is available can also assuage their fears.
Q: For World Hepatitis Day, what do you wish more people were aware of when it comes to hepatitis?
A: Most of the time, hepatitis is silent. Contact your primary care physician if you have any concerns or require a vaccination or screening, because early detection is key. Often, hepatitis isn’t noticed until it has already damaged the liver, so it’s always best to be safe and get checked out.
World Hepatitis Day also brings attention to the stigma around hepatitis. The fact is that anyone can be diagnosed with hepatitis; it does not signify any sort of promiscuity or substance abuse, and transmission is often random. Education is one of the most important steps we can take to eliminate hepatitis.
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