World Hepatitis Day 2023: World Hepatitis Day is celebrated on July 28 every year to raise awareness about hepatitis, a group of viral infections that affect the liver. The day aims to promote the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis, as well as support those living with the disease.
Is #WorldHepatitisDay. Liver health is crucial for #HealthForAll but viral hepatitis can devastate your liver.
Find out your hepatitis status to protect yourself and your loved ones. Check with your local healthcare provider to learn how https://t.co/sQK7Omqdii#OneLifeOneLiver pic.twitter.com/xKDlOmXpVV
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO)
July 28, 2023
Prevention and care services are essential to eliminate hepatitis.
Fridays #WorldHepatitisDay, @WHO explains how you can protect yourself and others to stop transmission and save lives. https://t.co/vY8kHeqvml pic.twitter.com/vLJ7fiqSfA
— United Nations (@UN)
July 28, 2023
Approximately 325 million people worldwide are affected by hepatitis and many of them are unaware of their condition. World Hepatitis Day encourages vaccination, safe practices and access to health services for all. Together we can eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat and reduce its devastating impact on people and communities. This year’s WHO-suggested theme, “One Life, One Life,” also emphasizes the importance of a healthy liver for leading a good life.
World Hepatitis Day 2023: date, theme and why is this day celebrated?
What is hepatitis?
One type of inflammation in the liver is known as hepatitis. The problem may go away on its own or get worse and lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, or fibrosis (scarring). The most common cause of hepatitis in the world is hepatitis viruses, although it can also be caused by other infections, toxic substances (including alcohol and other medications), and autoimmune diseases.
What are the different types of hepatitis?
There are five main hepatitis viruses, called types A, B, C, D and E. According to the WHO, these five types are the most worrying due to the burden of illness and death they cause and the potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread. .
Hepatitis A virus (HAV): Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is found in the feces of infected people and is most often transmitted by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. HAV can also be transmitted through specific sexual acts. Many times, the infections are minor and most patients make a full recovery and do not get HAV again. However, HAV infections can be potentially serious and fatal. Most people in unsanitary places around the world have contracted this virus. There are HAV vaccines that are safe and effective.
Hepatitis B virus: It is possible to contract hepatitis B virus (HBV) by coming into contact with infected blood, semen, and other body fluids. Infected women can transmit HBV to their newborns at the time of birth, or even a family member can infect a baby in the first years of life. Additionally, HBV-contaminated injections given during medical procedures, the use of injectable medications, and donations of blood and blood products are also possible ways of transmitting the disease. Health care professionals who suffer unintentional needlesticks while caring for patients infected with HBV are also at risk of contracting HBV.
But prevention of HBV is possible with safe and reliable vaccines.
Hepatitis C virus: Most cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission involve contact with infected blood. This could occur through the use of injectable medications, contaminated medical injections, and transfusions of HCV-infected blood and blood products. Although less common, sexual transmission is still a possibility. and unfortunately there is no vaccination.
Hepatitis D virus: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a small, defective RNA virus that can only infect people who are already infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). HDV depends on HBV envelope proteins to complete its life cycle. It causes a more severe form of hepatitis than HBV alone and increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Vaccination against HBV also provides protection against HDV infection.
Hepatitis E virus: The main way the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is transmitted is through contaminated food or drink. HEV frequently contributes to hepatitis outbreaks in underdeveloped regions of the world and is increasingly recognized as an important disease-causing agent in developed countries. Vaccines to prevent HEV infection have been produced but are not generally available.
Some preventive measures for hepatitis are:
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
- Use protection and caution during physical contact.
- Avoid sharing needles: Never share needles or personal items that may be contaminated.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and avoid consuming contaminated food or water.
- Be careful with tattoos and piercings
- Get regular health checkups and exams.
On this World Hepatitis Day, let’s unite to raise awareness about hepatitis and its prevention. By promoting vaccination, safe practices, and regular health checks, we can work to eliminate this global health threat. Together we can build a healthier world, free from the burden of hepatitis, ensuring a better future for all.
Important days and dates in August 2023
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: ptivs2.edu.vn