July 28, 2025 – World Hepatitis Day
This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatitis. The first World Hepatitis Day was observed on May 19, 2008. In 2011, representatives of the World Health Assembly decided to move the date of the event to July 28. The date July 28 was chosen because it is the birthday of scientist, Nobel laureate Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed a diagnostic test for the virus, and a vaccine against it.
Parenteral Viral Hepatitis (PVH) is a global public health problem both worldwide and domestically. The World Health Organization has adopted the Global Viral Hepatitis Strategy, which aims to eliminate hepatitis B and C by 2030.
PARENTERAL VIRAL HEPATITIS IS A DANGEROUS DISEASE
Hepatitis B is a viral infectious disease that affects the liver and can be acute or chronic. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus and is transmitted through contact with infected semen, blood, and other bodily fluids.
Modes of transmission of hepatitis B:
1. Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person.
2. Using a syringe previously used by an infected person. This is the most common way for people who use drugs to get infected.
3. Sharing personal hygiene items, razors, or toothbrushes with an infected person.
4. During tattooing, piercing, manicure, pedicure (using non-sterile instruments).
5. Perinatal transmission from mother to child.
The main symptom of hepatitis B is intoxication of the body due to impaired liver function. It causes fever, joint pain, increased fatigue, weakness, and sleep disturbances. In severe cases, it can even lead to impaired consciousness.
The hepatitis B virus can become chronic and is not completely curable. It causes serious liver damage, which can lead to cirrhosis or the formation of cancerous tumors in liver cells.
Hepatitis C is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus.
This form of hepatitis is usually transmitted through direct contact with the blood of an infected person – for example, through the reuse of disposable syringes and tattooing.
The chances of contracting hepatitis C through unprotected sexual contact are much lower than for hepatitis B. It is estimated that about 300 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C, and this form of the disease is considered a typical illness for people suffering from drug addiction.
Hepatitis C is often called a "silent killer" because it can masquerade as other diseases. Jaundice and fever are rare with this condition.
Common symptoms include fatigue, digestive upset, and depression.
In adults, this disease progresses to a chronic form in almost 90 percent of cases, which often leads to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
General symptoms of acute hepatitis:
- Diarrhea
- Increased fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Slight fever
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea
- Mild abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
If you experience most of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
GET TESTED FOR HEPATITIS B AND C VIRUSES!
TREATMENT FOR HEPATITIS B AND C IS PROLONGED AND EXPENSIVE.
Prevention
1. The most reliable specific preventive measure against hepatitis B is vaccination. The vaccine used is highly effective and well-tolerated.
2. Do not use drugs.
3. Abstain from casual sexual encounters.
4. Do not practice unprotected sex; use condoms.
5. Always observe personal hygiene rules and use only individual manicure and shaving tools, epilators, and skin and oral care products.
6. If you decide to get a piercing or tattoo, do so only in specialized licensed salons.
"Rassonsky RCG&E" State Institution, 2025