Профилактика гепатитов

Hepatitis Prevention

Viral hepatitis is an infectious disease that affects internal organs, and in particular, the human liver. Currently, five hepatitis viruses are most common, each of which poses a danger to humans: A, B, C, D, and E.

Infection with viral hepatitis occurs in various ways:

1. Hepatitis A and E viruses are primarily transmitted through contaminated water, food, and unwashed hands.

2. Hepatitis B, C, and D viruses are transmitted through blood (during intravenous drug use, use of non-sterile instruments for tattooing, piercing, cosmetic, manicure, pedicure, and other procedures involving damage to the skin and mucous membranes), as well as from an infected mother to her child during childbirth and during unprotected sexual contact. The greatest risk of infection with hepatitis B, C, and D is associated with intravenous drug use.

Without treatment, chronic viral hepatitis often leads to the development of cirrhosis or liver cancer. However, many infected individuals are not even aware of their illness and not only do not seek treatment themselves but can also unknowingly become a source of the virus for other people.

General Prevention Rules

For all types of hepatitis infection, there are a number of rules, the observance of which will help to avoid viruses entering the body:

  1. The main risk factor is unboiled water. It should not be drunk, and it is not recommended to wash vegetables and fruits in it without subsequent heat treatment. The key to health and protection against Hepatitis A is clean water that has been heated to 100°C.
  2. A general safety rule is to avoid contact with other people's bodily fluids. To protect yourself from infection with Hepatitis C and B, you should first be cautious when other people's blood comes into contact with open wounds, mucous membranes, etc. Blood can be present in microscopic amounts on razors, scissors, toothbrushes, and other hygiene items. Therefore, you should not share them with anyone.
  1. Never reuse syringes and needles, and maintain the sterility of the instruments you intend to use for tattooing or piercing. Remember that hepatitis can survive for a very long time in open environments. Unlike the AIDS virus, it can persist for several weeks on any surface.
  2. Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, but the Hepatitis C virus can also be transmitted this way. Therefore, take maximum precautions during intimate relationships of any kind.
  3. Viral infections are also transmitted from mother to child during childbirth, pregnancy, or lactation. Vaccination is highly recommended, as the routes of infection may remain unknown.

The most effective way to prevent hepatitis is vaccination!

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES!

State Institution "Rossonsky RCGE", 2023