World Hepatitis Day: Protect Your Liver, Know Your Status
Every year on 28 July, World Hepatitis Day raises awareness about viral hepatitis and the importance of early detection, prevention and treatment.
Millions of people around the world are living with hepatitis without knowing it. Because the disease often develops silently, many people only discover they have hepatitis after significant liver damage has already occurred.
The good news is that many forms of hepatitis are preventable, and early diagnosis can greatly improve long-term health outcomes.
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver.
Your liver is one of the hardest-working organs in your body. It helps to:
- Filter toxins from the blood
- Process nutrients
- Produce bile for digestion
- Store vitamins and minerals
- Break down medications
- Support your immune system
When the liver becomes inflamed, these important functions can be affected.
The Different Types of Viral Hepatitis
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is usually spread through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person.
Most people recover completely without long-term liver damage.
A safe and effective vaccine is available.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood and certain body fluids.
It may be transmitted through:
- Unprotected sexual contact
- Mother-to-child transmission during birth
- Sharing needles or sharp instruments
- Unsafe medical procedures
Some people recover completely, while others develop chronic hepatitis, which may lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated.
Vaccination provides excellent protection.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is mainly spread through blood-to-blood contact.
Although there is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C, highly effective treatments are available that can cure most infections when diagnosed early.
What Are the Symptoms?
One of the biggest challenges with hepatitis is that many people experience no symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Extreme tiredness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Joint pain
If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.
Who Should Consider Testing?
You should speak to a healthcare professional if you:
- Have been exposed to infected blood.
- Have had unprotected sex with someone whose hepatitis status is unknown.
- Share needles or other equipment.
- Work in a healthcare setting.
- Have abnormal liver blood test results.
- Have risk factors discussed with your healthcare provider.
Early testing allows treatment to begin before serious complications develop.
How Can Hepatitis Be Prevented?
Simple preventative measures include:
- Receiving recommended Hepatitis A and B vaccinations.
- Practising good hand hygiene.
- Drinking safe, clean water.
- Avoiding sharing razors, toothbrushes or needles.
- Practising safer sex.
- Ensuring tattoos and piercings are performed using sterile equipment.
These steps can significantly reduce your risk of infection.
Looking After Your Liver
Keeping your liver healthy is important whether or not you have hepatitis.
Healthy habits include:
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Eating a balanced diet.
- Exercising regularly.
- Taking medication only as prescribed.
- Attending routine health check-ups.
Your liver plays a vital role in your overall health, so looking after it benefits your entire body.
How TruMD eSwatini Can Help
If you’re concerned about hepatitis, have symptoms or think you may have been exposed, TruMD eSwatini makes it easy to speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
During an online consultation, a healthcare provider can:
- Assess your symptoms
- Review your medical history
- Discuss your individual risk factors
- Recommend appropriate blood tests
- Advise whether further investigation or treatment is needed
Early diagnosis is one of the most effective ways to prevent long-term liver damage.
Know Your Status, Protect Your Health
This World Hepatitis Day, take a moment to learn about hepatitis and encourage your family and friends to do the same.
Awareness, vaccination where appropriate and early testing can save lives.
Protecting your liver today helps protect your future health.
Speak to a Healthcare Professional
If you have questions about hepatitis, liver health or whether you should be tested, TruMD eSwatini makes it simple to connect with a qualified healthcare professional from wherever you are.
Early action leads to better health outcomes.
