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Around 4% of Indian population affected by Hepatitis virus

Why is hepatitis a relatively little known health hazard around the world?
The risk of the Hepatitis virus is yet to be taken extremely seriously in many
countries, along with India. There have been a number of endeavours to make the
masses aware of this dangerous virus but more initiatives have to be taken at the
grass root level. Approximately 2 billion people around the world have been affected
with the Hepatitis B virus and over 360 million people have chronic liver infections.
Around 6,20,000 people die each year due to hepatitis B virus infection. From the
year 1982, a vaccine against hepatitis B has been made available but still around
150 million people are chronically affected with hepatitis C virus, and over 3,50,000
people are likely to die from hepatitis C linked liver diseases every year.
What is the estimated number of people affected by the hepatitis virus in
India?
An accurate data for the number of people infected with the hepatitis virus is not
clearly available, although a few surveys say that around 4% of the population in
India is infected with the hepatitis virus and 0.2% is affected with the hepatitis C
virus. It is now time for hepatitis to be taken up as a global concern, like Aids and
Cancer.
Amongst the 5 different types of hepatitis which are the most dangerous
ones?
In case of hepatitis, there is no virus more dangerous than the other and each one
of them can be equally lethal if not treated at an early stage; if allowed to grow a
severe infection, it can be disastrous.
Does consumption of alcohol lead to hepatitis?
It can; it is known as alcoholic hepatitis and is different from viral hepatitis. Alcoholic
hepatitis varies from a slight and only liver enzyme elevation to extreme
inflammation of liver along with spreading of jaundice, increased prothrombin time
and even liver failure. Extreme cases exhibited a state of dull consciousness
(obtundation) or a combination of increased bilirubin levels and prolonged
prothrombin time; if the infection is severe, then the mortality rate of the patient is
50% within 30 days of onset.
Is it possible for hepatitis to be transmitted to an unborn child?
Yes, there is the possibility of transmission of the infection to a child during the
process of delivery.
How long can a person with hepatitis live?

This depends on the seriousness of the infection and the host factor. It is better to
take preventive measures like vaccination and prevent the factors which carry the
virus from harming you.
Is hepatitis a sexually transmitted disease?
Yes, it is in the case of hepatitis B and C.
What tests should be taken to identify hepatitis?
There are quite a few tests to identify this infection, know the quantity of virus, the
genotype of the virus, etc. Any liver disease due to hepatitis can be ascertained
from physical examination and blood tests.
Which vaccinations are available for each hepatitis virus?
Vaccine is only available for Hepatitis A and B at present.
How can this virus be prevented?
Water borne viruses like A and E require sanitization and a pure water supply is
needed. For viruses inherited from parents like B and C, screening of blood and
blood products as well as use of contraception and vaccinations for hepatitis B virus
is advised.
How can the government help in controlling cases of hepatitis virus?
The government can help a lot by making the masses aware by educating them
about this virus, its prevention and through vaccinations. Two major things that the
government can do is make vaccination a must and improve sanitization levels.

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