What do a visit to the dentist, a new tattoo, a fresh manicure, water from an untested source, and eating food with unwashed hands have in common? At first glance, nothing. In fact, in all these situations there is a risk of infection with viral hepatitis. This risk can almost always be avoided thanks to simple preventive measures. We tell you how different types of viral hepatitis are transmitted and what will help protect yourself and your loved ones.
What are viral hepatitises?
Viral hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases that affect the liver. The most common are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. They differ in their transmission routes, course, and health consequences, so it is important to know how to prevent infection.
How are viral hepatitises transmitted?
According to the mechanism of transmission, viral hepatitis can be conditionally divided into two groups.
Hepatitis A and E
Hepatitis A and E viruses are transmitted by the fecal-oral route, through contaminated water, food (hepatitis E is often transmitted through raw mussels, oysters, and other shellfish), or dirty hands. Infection is also possible through close household contact with an infected person.
Unlike hepatitis B, C and D, viral hepatitis A has an exclusively acute course, while hepatitis E becomes chronic extremely rarely, usually in people with a weakened immune system. After suffering from hepatitis A or E, most people recover completely, and lifelong immunity to viral hepatitis A is also formed, meaning it is impossible to get sick again.
Hepatitis B, C and D
Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted primarily through contact with infected blood and other body fluids. Hepatitis D is unique in that it can develop only in people infected with the hepatitis B virus, or in people who are infected with both viruses at the same time.
Infection can occur:
- from mother to child during birth (in the case of hepatitis C - very rare);
- during medical, cosmetic and other procedures, if non-sterile instruments are used;
- during tattooing or piercing with unsterile equipment;
- through the sharing of injection needles and personal items (manicure tools, toothbrushes, etc.);
- due to accidental injuries with sharp objects contaminated with blood;
- during unprotected sexual intercourse.
How to prevent viral hepatitis
1. Follow the rules of hygiene
To reduce the risk of infection with hepatitis A and E:
- wash your hands thoroughly with soap before preparing and eating food and after using the toilet;
- use only safe drinking water;
- wash vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs thoroughly;
- avoid foods and water of questionable quality.
2. Avoid contact with other people's blood
For the prevention of hepatitis B, C and D:
- use only sterile instruments during medical and cosmetic procedures;
- Make sure that establishments that perform manicures, piercings, or tattoos adhere to sterilization requirements;
- do not share razors, toothbrushes and other items that may have traces of blood on them;
- use condoms during sexual intercourse.
3. Get vaccinated
An effective way to prevent hepatitis B (and therefore hepatitis D) is vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccination is included in the National Immunization Schedule and is provided free of charge to children.
There is also a hepatitis A vaccine available at pharmacies. It is recommended for people at increased risk of infection, including those working in food service, water and wastewater facilities, military personnel, emergency workers, and people traveling to areas with high prevalence of the infection.
There is currently no vaccine against hepatitis C and hepatitis E.
4. Get tested regularly
Hepatitis B and C can go without symptoms for a long time. If you are undergoing procedures involving a break in the skin or mucous membranes, have had risky contact, or simply want to know your status, it is worth getting tested. In Ukraine, testing services for viral hepatitis B and C are free.