Take a history of viral hepatitis profound changes Last few years. In Argentina, thanks to an immunization strategy started in 2005, boys and girls vaccinated since 2007 no longer underwent liver transplantation due to hepatitis A (HAV)-induced liver failure.considered a revolution because let heal In most circumstances.
Nevertheless, they still exist in the world more than a million people died According to figures released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on World Hepatitis Day, hepatitis-related illnesses occur every year, and a new chronic infection occurs every ten seconds.
The motto chosen this year is “One life, one liver”. In this sense, the World Health Organization emphasizes that “hepatitis can destroy both”, they warn in this sense.
It’s the liver performing silently More than 500 important functions Every day (it processes nutrients, synthesizes proteins and exerts detoxification), it is essential for the health of the organism. “But viral hepatitis infection is also silent, with symptoms only appearing after the disease has progressed.”
“While there are many different types of hepatitis virus (A through E), the hepatitis virus B and C are the most worrisome It causes nearly 8,000 new infections every day, most of which go undetected,” the World Health Organization emphasized.
He emphasized that most hepatitis deaths are preventable because Vaccines and Effective Treatments Treat hepatitis B and even cure hepatitis C.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. When a person becomes infected with hepatitis, the liver changes its function. In most cases, this inflammation is caused by a virus, but in others, it is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, certain toxins, drugs, or disease.
The viruses that most commonly cause hepatitis are A, B and C. If the infection becomes chronic, symptoms do not appear until it is advanced and can cause serious damage, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
How is hepatitis detected?
Because hepatitis progresses silently in its early stages, it can only be diagnosed with blood tests. question? Half of people with chronic hepatitis are unaware of their diagnosis.
Detection of hepatitis A, B and C allows timely initiation of treatment and prevention of transmission. Hepatitis A and B can be prevented with vaccines. Treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C is safe and effective.
Therefore, the focus of the effort is to Detect and treat For those who are infected but do not know their diagnosis.
In this sense, the Argentine Society of Hepatology (SAHE) is conducting tests this week in 68 sites in 18 provinces, without prior appointment, including hospitals, clinics, primary care centers, offices, squares and other places. (full list can be found here)
“Hepatitis C is a disease that most of the time causes no symptoms, which is why it is so important to get tested at least once in your life. Events like this are an unparalleled opportunity to do so,” said Sebastián Ferretti, the company’s president. Sacher.
“If the test – which is fast and painless– In the negative, the person goes on with his life. On the other hand, if the test is positive and confirmed, health professionals will accompany her so that she can be cured and avoid potentially serious complications in the future. “
Outside of the event, viral hepatitis testing is available year-round free of charge in public hospitals or health centers across the country. Here you can consult 117 hepatitis diagnosis and treatment centers distributed across the country.
According to the Viral Hepatitis Coordination Center of the Ministry of Health, the following is the difference between the most common types of viral hepatitis A, B and C, how it is transmitted, symptoms, treatment and prevention.
The test can be done free of charge in hospitals and health centers in the country. photo files.
Hepatitis A
How is hepatitis A spread?
Hepatitis A is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, through virus-contaminated water and food, and sexually through penetrative anal or anal-oral (oral-anal contact).
What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?
- Sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- Fever, malaise, abdominal and joint pain.
- During the first few days, the urine may turn dark and the stools lighter.
- Over the next few weeks, yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes (jaundice) may develop.
- The incubation period (the time between infection and onset of symptoms) is 28 to 30 days.
- In children younger than 7 years, 70% to 80% of cases of hepatitis A cause no symptoms.
- In adults, 25% of cases are asymptomatic.
How is hepatitis A treated?
There is no specific cure for hepatitis A. Rest and no physical activity is usually recommended during the course of the infection. It is important to avoid alcohol and medications that can be toxic to the liver. Severe hepatitis can cause fulminant liver failure and require hospitalization.
What to do if you are diagnosed with hepatitis A
For two weeks after symptoms appear, it is important to follow these recommendations:
- Disinfect the bathroom with water and bleach after each use.
- Wash your hands well, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
- Do not prepare or handle food for others.
- Wash clothes, personal items, and dishes separately from other household members or cohabitants.
- Avoid sexual activity that involves oral or manual contact with anal secretions (anal sex, oral-anal, hand-anal).
- Use condoms and/or latex pads during all sexual relations.
How to prevent hepatitis A?
With the application free vaccine Included in national vaccination calendars. Doses are administered once a year throughout life. It is also recommended that high-risk groups use it under the guidance of a doctor.
In addition to vaccines, an effective way to prevent hepatitis A is to implement health measuresExamples include washing hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
Drinking drinking water and sanitation measures such as proper removal of feces are recommended.If you are not sure whether the water is potable, you should Boil or make drinking water Add two drops of bleach per liter of water.
Hepatitis B
How is hepatitis B spread?
It is mainly spread through direct contact with bodily fluids (such as semen, vaginal fluid, or blood) infected with the hepatitis B virus.
Common routes of transmission are: sex without a condom; sharing needles, syringes, joints or sharp elements with an infected person, tattooing or piercing with non-disposable or properly sterilized material.
It is not spread through saliva, sweat, tears or breast milk.
Pregnant women with hepatitis B can spread the virus during pregnancy. Therefore, health control during pregnancy and vaccination of the baby at birth are crucial.
The incubation period (the time between infection and onset of symptoms) ranges from 45 to 180 days.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?
Symptoms of chronic hepatitis B can take up to 30 years to appear, during which time liver damage can creep in.
Most adults who develop symptoms develop within 3 to 6 months of exposure.
Some people have flu-like symptoms (fatigue and tiredness) and may also have yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes (jaundice), nausea or vomiting, dark urine, fever, and chills. However, many people infected with hepatitis B do not have any symptoms.
To a lesser extent (5% to 10% of cases), it can develop into a chronic hepatitis, usually asymptomatic. These people have an increased risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
How to prevent hepatitis B?
Getting vaccinated is the safest and most effective way to reduce the risk of hepatitis B infection. Vaccines Prevent Infections In more than 90% of cases. There are 3 doses of the vaccine, which are given free of charge in Argentina without a doctor’s order.
Other important precautions include avoiding contact with blood, avoiding sharing needles, joints, or personal hygiene items (such as razors or toothbrushes), using disposable materials if skin is perforated (tattoos or piercings), and using latex gloves with Blood, use condoms in all sexual relations.
How is hepatitis B treated?
It is recommended to rest and refrain from physical activity during a hepatitis B infection.
It is important to avoid alcohol and medications that can be toxic to the liver.
Severe hepatitis can cause fulminant liver failure and require hospitalization.
There are very effective treatments for people with chronic hepatitis B. Treatment must be administered and controlled by professional medical personnel.
Use a rapid test to help detect. photo files.
Hepatitis C
How is hepatitis C spread?
Hepatitis C is spread by sharing needles, syringes, or sharps with an infected person by direct contact with infected blood, or by having sex without using a condom or other barrier method.
received person Blood transfusion before 1994 They may also have been exposed to the virus, as it was not known at the time.
There is also transmission during pregnancy, although this is a rare route.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
In acute infection, symptoms may appear within 2 weeks to 6 months of exposure to the virus.
Most people infected with HCV have no symptoms. Symptoms of chronic hepatitis C can take up to 30 years to manifest, during which time the damage to the liver is often silent.
Symptoms include fatigue, nausea or vomiting, fever and chills, jaundice, blood clotting problems, dark urine, vomiting blood or black stools (gastrointestinal bleeding), and abdominal distension with fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
How is hepatitis C treated?
Hepatitis C is curable. In recent years, new antiviral drugs have emerged that allow short-term treatment (8 or 12 weeks).
Hepatitis C treatment is Versatile, safe and effective In 95% of cases.
How to prevent hepatitis C?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection.
Avoid direct contact with other people’s blood, do not share toothbrushes or other personal items, use protective equipment during sexual intercourse, and use disposable items prior to any invasive and/or cosmetic medical procedures.
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