• Source:JND

Think about a disease that could be slowly hurting your liver for years, all without you even knowing. That's often what happens with Hepatitis B and C, two viral infections that are much more common than most of us think. If treatment is not received, these viruses can cause severe liver diseases such as cirrhosis (liver scarring) and even liver cancer. In a conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. P.K. Sethy, Gastroenterologist, MEDICA Super specialty Hospital, Kolkata explained why hepatitis B and C are silent threats.

The Hidden Threat

For years, sometimes even decades, many infected individuals do not show any symptoms of Hepatitis B and C at all. They are especially risky because the liver can sustain serious harm before a person becomes ill enough to seek medical help. Treatment may become more difficult by then. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that as of 2022, there will be 50 million people with chronic Hepatitis C and a startling 254 million with chronic Hepatitis B. Together, these infections result in about 1.1 million fatalities annually.

India bears a heavy burden. An estimated 40 million Indians suffer from chronic Hepatitis B, and an additional 6 to 12 million have chronic Hepatitis C. These figures demonstrate why these infections pose a serious threat to our country's public health. Although it can be difficult to gather accurate nationwide data, regional studies attest to the viruses' pervasiveness.

How Do They Spread?

Prevention requires an understanding of how these viruses spread. Contact with contaminated blood or bodily fluids is the main way that Hepatitis B and C are transmitted. This can occur in several ways:

• Sharing Needles- This is a prevalent way of transmission, particularly among drug injectors.

• Mother to Child- During childbirth, an infected mother may transmit the virus to her infant. This is a serious Hepatitis B concern.

• Risky Medical Procedures- The viruses can be spread by using non-sterilised equipment for dental, medical, or even tattooing and body piercing procedures.

• Sexual Contact- Compared to Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B is more easily spread through sexual contact.

• Sharing Personal Items- Never share items that may contain blood traces such as nail clippers, toothbrushes or razors.

ALSO READ: How To Recognise The Silent Progression Of Hepatitis Before It’s Too Late? Doctor Advice

Signs And Symptoms

Early symptoms are frequently nonexistent or extremely mild and nonspecific due to their silent nature. If symptoms do manifest, they may be nebulous and may include general malaise, fatigue, appetite loss, mild fever and upper abdominal discomfort. When liver damage is more severe, symptoms like clay-colored stools, dark urine or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) typically manifest. This is the reason early diagnosis and screening are so important.

Prevention

We can fight these silent epidemics with these effective tools:

Hepatitis B Vaccination- A vaccine for Hepatitis B that is both safe and effective. This is a crucial step in stopping the spread of infections, particularly from mother to child.

Absence Of A Hepatitis C vaccine- In the absence of a vaccine for Hepatitis C, prevention is even more vital.

Safe Habits- One should not share needles or toiletries. Also, it is crucial to use sterilised tools before medical procedures, piercings and tattoos. Safe sexual practice is also essential.

ALSO READ: World Hepatitis Day 2025: Early Signs Of Hepatitis That People Often Ignore

Treatment

Chronic Hepatitis B can come under control with the help of Antiviral drugs. It will further help in reducing liver injury and prevent the virus from advancing to severe complications. Though it is seldom cured by these drugs, they can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) with very high cure rates in most cases have transformed the treatment of Hepatitis C. We can alter the course of these liver diseases through awareness, Hepatitis B vaccination, safe practices and access to screening and timely treatment. Your health is your wealth, so educate yourself, get tested if you’re at risk and let’s work together to rid ourselves of these silent killers.


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