27/07/2022
Tomorrow (July 28) is World Hepatitis Day, and this year's theme is "Bring hepatitis care closer to you".
A family member of mine have been diagnosed with Hepatitis B just recently; unfortunately, because of his age and complications he succumbed by it. This topic intends people in taking action and to raise awareness about Hepatitis.
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver most commonly due to viral infection. However, heavy alcohol use, some medications and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis.
In the Philippines as of 2019, around one in 10 people have chronic hepatitis B, and six in 1,000 have chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis is a huge public health concern in the Philippines, but due to lack of awareness, many of those who have this viral disease may not even know they have it until it’s too late.
Most patients with hepatitis are asymptomatic(no symptoms), if symptoms occur for an ACUTE infection, they can appear within 2 weeks to 6 months after exposure. Symptoms of CHRONIC viral hepatitis can take decades to develop.
Symptoms include:
🔘Fever
🔘Fatigue
🔘Loss of apetite
🔘Nausea
🔘Vomiting
🔘Abdominal pain
🔘Dark urine
🔘Light-colored stools
🔘Joint pain
🔘Jaundice
5 actions to protect yourself against Hepatitis:
1. Use sterile injections always
2. Use your own razor and blades
3. Practice safe s*x
4. Use safe tattoing and piercing equipment
5. Vaccinate infants against Hepatitis B
Treatment options will vary by the type of Hepatitis you have and whether the infection is acute or chronic.
Get tested now, ask your trusted Doctor about it.
