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Every year, World Hepatitis Day is observed on 28 July to raise global awareness about viral hepatitis, a group of infectious diseases that affects millions worldwide. This year’s World Hepatitis Day theme, “Know Hepatitis, Act Now,” highlights the urgent need to understand the disease and take steps for prevention, testing, and treatment.
Viral hepatitis can cause inflammation of the liver and lead to serious health issues if left untreated. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that over 354 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C — yet many remain unaware until it’s too late. This blog helps you understand hepatitis, its types, symptoms, prevention, and treatment procedures.
Consult the best gastroenterologist in Mukundapur, Kolkata, at the Manipal Hospitals, for early diagnosis, expert suggestions, and treatments of Hepatitis.
Synopsis
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It is most commonly caused by viral infections, but it can also occur due to alcohol abuse, drug reactions, autoimmune conditions, or toxins.
There are Five Main Types of Viral Hepatitis
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Hepatitis A: spread through contaminated food and water.
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Hepatitis B: spread through blood and body fluids (e.g., during childbirth, sexual contact, or unsafe injections).
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Hepatitis C: mainly spread through blood-to-blood contact.
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Hepatitis D: occurs only in people infected with hepatitis B.
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Hepatitis E: spread through contaminated drinking water.
Some of the types, like A and E, usually cause only short-term illness. Others, especially B and C, can become chronic and lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
Common Symptoms of Hepatitis
Hepatitis begins with mild or no symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, as the infection progresses, symptoms may include:
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Fatigue or weakness
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Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
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Nausea and vomiting
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Light-coloured stools
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Abdominal discomfort
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Loss of appetite
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Fever
If you are experiencing these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
How Is Hepatitis Diagnosed?
Doctors usually diagnose hepatitis through a combination of:
Blood Tests
These tests can detect the presence of the virus and determine the type of hepatitis. Some include serological markers and viral RNA/DNA tests for identifying hepatitis A-E
Liver Function Tests
These tests assess the functioning of your liver. It measures enzymes and proteins like bilirubin, ALT (alanine transaminase), and AST (aspartate transaminase) to check for liver inflammation or damage
Imaging Tests
Ultrasound or FibroScan may be used to diagnose conditions like fibrosis or cirrhosis
Liver Biopsy
A small tissue sample is taken to check for liver inflammation or scarring
Early diagnosis plays a key role in preventing complications.
Treatment Options for Hepatitis
Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis:
Hepatitis A and E
These types usually resolve on their own with supportive care. Rest, proper hydration, and a balanced diet help the body recover.
Hepatitis B
Chronic Hepatitis B may require long-term antiviral medications to suppress the virus, reduce liver inflammation, and prevent complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Lifelong monitoring may be recommended to check liver function and detect complications early. In cases where chronic hepatitis B leads to liver failure, patients may be required to undergo Liver Transplantation.
Hepatitis C
Modern antiviral therapies, such as newer direct-acting antivirals (DAA), can cure most cases of Hepatitis C, often within 8–12 weeks. These regimens offer high success rates with minimal side effects.
Hepatitis D
Treatment focuses on controlling the underlying Hepatitis B infection with antiviral therapy, as Hepatitis D depends on the presence of Hepatitis B to replicate. New therapies and clinical trials for hepatitis D are ongoing, and patients may be eligible for these newer options.
It is important to follow medical advice, attend regular check-ups, and avoid alcohol and medications that are harmful to the liver during recovery.
Preventing Hepatitis - Small Steps, Big Impact
Prevention is the best way to fight hepatitis. Here’s how you can protect yourself and others:
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Get Vaccinated: Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and B
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Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet
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Use Safe Injections: Avoid sharing needles or using unsterile medical equipment
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Safe Sexual Practices: Use protection and avoid high-risk behaviours
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Screening During Pregnancy: Pregnant women should be tested for Hepatitis B to prevent mother-to-child transmission
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Ensure Safe Blood Transfusions: Always receive blood from screened sources
By taking these steps, we can effectively reduce the spread of viral hepatitis.
Check Out Our Other Blog Posts: Understanding Liver Health: The liver’s role in digestion, detoxification, and metabolism
Conclusion
World Hepatitis Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a global call to take action. By knowing the symptoms, understanding how it spreads, and making conscious lifestyle choices, we can protect ourselves and those around us. If diagnosed early, hepatitis is treatable and, in some cases, even curable.
Our experts at the Department of Gastrointestinal Science, Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, Kolkata, provide advanced diagnostics and personalised care for all types of hepatitis. This year, let's take a step forward by sharing the World Hepatitis Day poster, raising awareness and spreading the message far and wide for a healthier tomorrow.
FAQ's
World Hepatitis Day raises awareness about the silent nature of viral hepatitis and promotes testing, prevention, and treatment. Many people remain unaware of their infection until they experience severe liver damage. Spreading awareness saves lives.
The World Hepatitis Day theme for 2025 is “Know Hepatitis, Act Now.” It encourages people to learn more about the disease and take action through testing, vaccination, or seeking treatment.
Hepatitis B spreads through body fluids like blood or semen, while hepatitis C is mostly spread through direct blood contact. Both can cause chronic liver disease, but differ in treatment and prevention methods.
Hepatitis A and E often resolve on their own. Hepatitis C is now curable with antiviral medication in most people. There is no cure for hepatitis B yet, but it can be managed effectively with long-term treatment.
You can call us directly or visit our website to schedule an appointment with our gastroenterology specialists.
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