The word hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, one of the essential organs for the proper functioning of the human body, responsible for processing nutrients, breaking down chemicals, regulating hormone levels, and more. This condition is caused by different viruses. Acute forms manifest immediately, while chronic forms develop later, causing significant damage.
Isabel Cristina Macías Ospina, Coordinator of Epidemiological Surveillance at Clínica CES, notes that viral hepatitis has gradually increased in Colombia, with a combined incidence rising from 6.19 cases in 2016 to 9.65 in 2018. Hepatitis A and B are the most common due to their clinical presentation.
What Are the General Symptoms of Hepatitis?
Symptoms are not always present, but when they occur, they include fever, yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Over time, it can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death.
Classification of Hepatitis and Its Transmission
Hepatitis A: This virus is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, meaning it spreads when food contaminated with feces is consumed.
Hepatitis B: This virus is transmitted through blood or sexual contact.
Hepatitis C: This virus is transmitted similarly to hepatitis B but is specifically linked to direct contact with bodily fluids. For instance, a mother can pass it to her child during childbirth, through unprotected sex, or by getting tattoos or piercings in unsanitary conditions.
Prevention and Vaccination Are Key in the Fight Against Hepatitis
Each of the most common types, hepatitis A and B, have specific prevention methods. Hepatitis A is prevented through hand hygiene, proper food handling, and surface cleaning and disinfection. Additionally, it has a vaccine, although it is not included in the national expanded immunization program. Authorization can be requested for its administration if needed.
The primary method of preventing hepatitis B is through vaccination, which is included in the national expanded immunization program. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends administering it preferably within the first 24 hours of birth, followed by three doses during the first year of life to reduce perinatal and early childhood transmission.
Additionally, the risk of hepatitis B and C infection can be reduced by not sharing needles, using gloves when in contact with someone else’s blood, using latex condoms during sexual activity, and ensuring sterilized tools are used for tattoos or piercings.
Edisson Andres Mira Castro, a clinical bacteriologist at our Laboratory, encourages general medical check-ups to prevent symptoms from being the only warning about our health. “We may be infected with the virus, and symptoms can appear months or even years later, as in the case of hepatitis C.”
