World Hepatitis Day: Theme For The Year, Facts About The Viral Infection

World Hepatitis Day is commemorated every year on July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes several health problems, including liver cancer.

World Hepatitis Day is celebrated on the birthday of Nobel prize winner Dr. Baruch Blumberg who discovered the hepatitis B virus. Blumberg developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for the hepatitis virus.

The theme for this year's World Hepatitis Day is "I can’t wait." The campaign aims to accelerate the fight against viral hepatitis through rigorous testing and treatment.

"The campaign will amplify the voices of people affected by viral hepatitis calling for immediate action and the end of stigma and discrimination," World Hepatitis Alliance wrote on its page announcing the campaign.

Here are some important facts about the disease.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, and the common causes of the infection include heavy alcohol use, toxins, medications, and certain medical conditions. However, most often hepatitis is caused by a virus.
There are 5 strains of hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E ) that affect the liver. While hepatitis A and E mostly spread through the fecal-oral route, hepatitis B is spread through blood and body fluids, and hepatitis C through blood-to-blood contact. Hepatitis D only occurs in people infected with hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B and C are the most common strains that cause deaths, which are estimated to be 1.3 million each year.
Some patients with hepatitis do not show any symptoms but symptoms tend to appear within 2 weeks to 6 months after exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The most common symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice.
Blood tests can determine if a person is infected with viral hepatitis. Some tests show if your body is immune to hepatitis infections, while some others help identify how long you have been carrying the disease.
Viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis A and hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination. Vaccinating against hepatitis B will also protect people from hepatitis D.
In addition to vaccination, simple steps like washing hands thoroughly and avoiding contaminated water and foods will help you prevent hepatitis infections.