By:- Dr. Vikas Singla, Vice Chairman & Head Gastroenterology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, Delhi
Every year on 28 July, the world observes World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness about viral hepatitis—a group of infections that cause inflammation of the liver. Many people around the world are living with hepatitis, many without knowing they are infected. Left undiagnosed or untreated, some forms of hepatitis can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, and in some cases, the need for a liver transplant.
The good news is that viral hepatitis is largely preventable, and many cases can be effectively treated if detected early.
Understanding the different types of hepatitis, recognizing the symptoms, and taking simple preventive measures can go a long way in protecting your liver health.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that spreads mainly through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. It usually causes a short-term illness and does not become chronic.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms usually develop 2 to 7 weeks after infection and may include:
Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Pale stools
Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
Young children may have very mild illness or no symptoms, while adults are more likely to develop noticeable symptoms.
Prevention
Wash hands thoroughly with soap before eating and after using the toilet.
Drink safe and clean water.
Eat freshly prepared, hygienic food.
Wash fruits and vegetables before consumption.
Get vaccinated if recommended, especially if you have chronic liver disease or are travelling to areas where Hepatitis A is common.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for Hepatitis A. Most people recover completely with adequate rest, good nutrition, and plenty of fluids. In rare cases, particularly in older adults or people with existing liver disease, the infection can cause acute liver failure and may require hospitalization.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood and body fluids. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during birth. While some people recover completely, others develop chronic infection that can silently damage the liver over many years.
Common Symptoms
Many people do not have symptoms initially. When symptoms occur, they may include:
Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Abdominal discomfort
Joint pain
Dark urine
Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
Prevention
Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B.
Practice safe sex.
Avoid sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes.
Ensure blood transfusions and medical procedures are carried out safely.
Pregnant women should be screened for Hepatitis B to help prevent transmission to the baby.
Treatment
Acute Hepatitis B usually requires supportive care. For people with chronic Hepatitis B, effective antiviral medicines are available that help control the virus, reduce liver damage, and lower the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Regular follow-up with a liver specialist is important.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C spreads mainly through infected blood. Many people do not know they have the infection because it often causes no symptoms for several years. Without treatment, it can gradually damage the liver.
Common Symptoms
When symptoms occur, they may include:
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Abdominal discomfort
Dark urine
Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
Prevention
Do not share needles or injecting equipment.
Ensure blood transfusions are screened and medical procedures are performed using sterile equipment.
Follow proper infection-control practices in healthcare settings.
Currently, there is no vaccine available for Hepatitis C.
Treatment
The good news is that Hepatitis C is now curable in most patients. Modern antiviral medicines can eliminate the virus in more than 95% of cases, with treatment usually lasting 8 to 12 weeks. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term liver damage.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Your liver performs hundreds of essential functions, including removing toxins, helping digest food, storing nutrients, and producing important proteins. When hepatitis goes untreated, especially Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, ongoing inflammation can gradually replace healthy liver tissue with scar tissue. This condition is called liver cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis reduces the liver’s ability to function properly and increases the risk of liver failure and liver cancer. In advanced stages, when the liver is permanently damaged and can no longer perform its vital functions, a liver transplant may become the only life-saving treatment.
Unlike Hepatitis B and C, Hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease, although it can rarely lead to acute liver failure in people with pre-existing liver disease or in older adults.
Protect Your Liver
Most cases of viral hepatitis can be prevented or successfully managed. Vaccination against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, practising good hygiene, consuming safe food and water, avoiding unsafe injections, and getting tested if you are at risk are simple yet powerful steps to protect your liver.
This World Hepatitis Day, make liver health a priority. Learn the signs and symptoms of hepatitis, encourage your family and friends to get vaccinated where recommended, seek medical advice if you notice symptoms, and do not delay screening if you are at risk. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent serious complications, save lives, and reduce the burden of liver disease.