7 Myths About Hepatitis You Should Stop Believing Now

{By: Dr. Pavan Dhoble}

Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease which affects the liver and is often misunderstood by many individuals due to misconceptions. With an estimated 345 million individuals worldwide living with chronic hepatitis B and C infections, the situation is particularly troubling. Without proper knowledge about hepatitis the disease creates social stigma and prevents people from getting diagnosed in time while delaying their treatment options.

ALSO READ: The Stages Of Alzheimer’s Disease — And How Families Can Prepare

Myth 1: Hepatitis Is Primarily Caused By Alcohol Or Drugs

FACT: While it is true that hepatitis may be caused by alcohol consumption or certain medicines, the main cause of this disease are viral infections, in particular, Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. In the main, hepatitis B and C generally result in chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. On the other side, hepatitis A and E are normally short-term disorders transmitted by way of food or water infected by the virus. Further, hepatitis may be caused by autoimmune disorders or genetic factors and in no way be associated with alcohol or drugs. According to WHO, viral hepatitis claims 1.1 million lives every year, a tally comparable with deaths caused by tuberculosis and greater than those pertaining to HIV/AIDS.

Myth 2: Hepatitis B And C Can Be Transmitted Through Casual Contact

FACT: One common misconception is that an individual can contact hepatitis B or C just through casual contact, such as hugging another person or sharing utensils. However, these viruses are bloodborne pathogens and are majorly disseminated through blood and bodily secretions. For hepatitis B, unprotected sexual contact, needle-sharing, and transmission from mother during childbirth are several ways of infection. Hepatitis C is mainly transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the risk of transmission through casual interactions is negligible and therefore It becomes very crucial to put out clear public information.

Myth 3: Only Individuals Who Exhibit Symptoms Have Hepatitis

FACT: A majority of chronic hepatitis B and C carriers are symptom-free for longer periods. The slow progression of the disease leads to the onset of symptoms like tiredness or jaundice only after massive liver damage has occurred. It is crucial therefore to detect the disease early as waiting for symptoms will only lead to increased health complications.

Myth 4: Hepatitis C Represents An Incurable Condition

FACT: Treatment developments are very promising, with hepatitis C now being curable in more than 95% of instances. These new DAAs act by clearing the virus within a span of 8 to 12 weeks, thus enabling patients to regain health. It is even possible, with early detection and treatment, to reverse liver damage already sustained; therefore, patients' chances of major complications shall decrease drastically.

Myth 5: Hepatitis B Can Be Cured Like Hepatitis C  

FACT: While hepatitis B can be managed with anti-viral medication, it is typically not considered curable for most patients. The medication prevents the virus from replicating while preventing the disease from becoming worse. But a functional cure is rare, occurring in about 1 to 3 percent of people managed with medications every year. Research and development of approaches are still under way but for many patients, managing the disease for life is inevitable.

Myth 6: Vaccination Against Hepatitis Is Only Necessary For Adults  

FACT: The best time to vaccinate against hepatitis B is at birth. The WHO recommends administration of the first dose within 24 hours of birth followed by  additional doses during early childhood. Adults that are at risk such as health care workers and intimate partners of infected patients should be given the vaccine as well. Countries that have implemented the practice of vaccinating against hepatitis B have shown a greater than 90 percent reduction in chronic infection rates amongst children emphasising the prevention of hepatitis B.

Myth 7: Herbal Or Natural Supplements Are Always Safe For Liver Health  

FACT: Despite popular opinion, many herbal and dietary supplements still carry risks to liver health. Some elements in those supplements, such as green tea extract and kava, have been linked to liver injury. This has again been illustrated where new studies show an alarming increase in health incidents associated with consumption of dietary supplements, making the necessity for careful consideration of options that affect our lifestyle and health and well-being even more pressing.

The author, Dr. Pavan Dhoble, is Consultant, Gastroenterology, at P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mahim.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

lifestyle