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In Gujarat, one in every 100 persons is affected with Hepatitis-C virus and three in every 100 persons are under influence of Hepatitis-B virus. In India, every year lakhs of people die because of these diseases. A voice has been raised at global level to eradicate Hepatitis by year 2030, said Dr. Shravan Bohra.
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Hepatitis is seen as a growing disease burden in India. According to WHO, most people with hepatitis virus infection, be it hepatitis B or C, are unaware about it. Precautionary measures to be undertaken by the patients also remain un-addressed. “Good hygiene, clean water, hand washing, proper disposal of faeces, safer sex and strict sterilization of hospital equipment are good preventive measures. No protective vaccine is yet available against hepatitis C & E. Universal vaccination has been advocated against hepatitis B but it is still a dream. Vaccination against hepatitis A is still debated although it is very effective”, added Dr. Bohra.
Hepatitis means liver swelling that occurs from different viruses like A, B, C, D & E. Hepatitis A or E is an acute illness lasting from 1-16 weeks, most will recover within one to two weeks. Hepatitis A is common in children and hepatitis E is common in adults. Hepatitis B and C are more dangerous diseases. Hepatitis B is 3 times more common than hepatitis C and is the commonest cause of chronic liver disease leading to cirrhosis. Hepatitis B virus is the second most common cause of cancer in the human body only next to tobacco.
Treatment of hepatitis C has evolved dramatically in last few years, now it is practically a curable disease. Safe and effective tablets are available which need to be taken for about three to six months only.