Confronting Asia’s Hepatitis Epidemic

Some people are able to clear the virus from their body early on in infection; however, in about three-quarters of people, the infection becomes chronic.

Parents might not even know that their children have caught the disease as hepatitis A can be a mild infection.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, grey-coloured stools, joint pain or jaundice.

About the disease, Dr. Murali Krishna said the virus is spread from one human to another and attacks the liver.

Sharing household items: Household items such as razors, nail cutters, toothbrush and earrings of an infected person may be contaminated with small amounts of blood that can infect you too.

Women who had hepatitis while giving birth, should make sure that their newborns get both the hepatitis B vaccine and an injection of immune globulin, which contains antibodies against the virus. Infants may contract hepatitis B if they are born to a mother who has the virus. It will be a treatment revolution for hepatitis C and only then we can dream of eliminating this dreaded disease.

To find out about hepatitis screenings and more, visit one of the stands on July 28, at Luxembourg station from 8am to 10am, and at Place de la Resistance in Esch-sur-Alzette from 11am to 1pm.

“However without urgent action, Australia risks squandering a huge opportunity to help half a million Australians living with chronic hepatitis B and C – that’s why we’re launching our Time For Action campaign today”, says Tyrrell.

A reduction in transmission of HBV and HCV in the country is attributed to the Centre’s policy on screening of blood and blood products since 2002, but unsafe injection practices are still prevalent. A baby can also get hepatitis C from his/her infected mother.

Viral hepatitis is thought to be present in between 0.5 and 1 percent of the country’s population, equivalent to a maximum of 4,500 people infected. HCV is also considered to be the leading cause for liver transplantation in adults.

If left untreated and unmanaged, hepatitis B or C can lead to advanced liver scarring (cirrhosis) and other complications, including liver cancer or liver failure. A liver biopsy may be asked to do to further check for organ damage. Hepatitis B vaccine is effective.

Vaccinations – vaccinations are available for HAV and HBV, unfortunately, there’s no vaccine for HCV. It is important to ensure injection and blood safety, adequate hygiene and proper sanitation, vaccination for hepatitis A and B. The vaccine should be given as soon as possible after birth, preferably within 24 hours. Get yourself tested for hepatitis B and C, especially if you are vulnerable – eg in high-risk professions, requiring frequent blood transfusions, unvaccinated for hepatitis B, or receiving frequent injections. This is especially true for those at higher risk like healthcare workers, those needing frequent blood transfusions or dialysis.