Hepatitis

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What is Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis B and C is a disease caused by infection with a virus. Chronic (lifelong) infection with HBV/HCV can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

How can you get hepatitis B & C?

Hepatitis B and C is transmitted through contact with infectious blood or body fluids (e.g., semen, saliva), including

Injection drug use that involves sharing needles, syringes, or drug-preparation equipment
Contact with blood or open sores of an infected person
Sharing items such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected person
Birth to an infected mother
Sex with an infected partner

Why is it important to treat Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis B/C affects you liver. If not treated in time it damages the liver to an irreparable extent. It may lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, cancer of liver cells and even death.

What precautions can you take to prevent HBV / HCV?

The basic precautions one can take to prevent Hepatitis B is

Have safe sex
Avoid sharing needles, toothbrushes, razors etc.
Healthcare workers are at increased risk therefore they should take adequate precaution for example they should wear latex gloves if there is any risk of coming in contact with blood or other bodily fluids.
Hemodialysis patients should go in for blood tests for hepatitis regularly.

Can I get protected against Hepatitis B/C

Yes, Hepatitis B vaccines are available in the market so you can protection against Hepatitis B by vaccination

Is there a cure for Hepatitis B/C?

For an acute infection, there is generally no treatment other than rest & supportive measures to manage any symptoms.
For Chronic Hepatitis B, there are several drugs available which slow down the virus & reduced the liver damage, in few cases they may even get rid of virus completely.
Healthcare workers are at increased risk therefore they should take adequate precaution for example they should wear latex gloves if there is any risk of coming in contact with blood or other bodily fluids.
For Chronic Hepatitis C there are drugs available which can cure 97 % patients.