World Hepatitis Day: Hepatitis Can Be Prevented
The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2023 is “One life, One liver ” and it is positioned to illuminate the importance of the liver to the Hepatitis elimination agenda. The National Public Health Center (NPHC) on World Hepatitis Day, July 28, reminds about the threat of viral Hepatitis and advises on how to prevent its spread and protect against possible infection.
Chronic viral Hepatitis C is the most common in Lithuania (834 cases were reported in 2022).
How is viral Hepatitis transmitted?
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Hepatitis D virus (HDV) are transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to fetus. These viruses do not spread through food, water or hugging.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can be contracted by eating undercooked animal meat (especially pork), shellfish, or through contaminated water.
How to protect against viral Hepatitis?
The most effective means of preventing Hepatitis A is vaccination, which is recommended for individuals traveling to the countries of high Hepatitis A endemicity (Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, India, Thailand), for children before starting kindergarten or school, for those working in food processing companies, who are directly involved in food handling. Another extremely important preventive measure is proper hand hygiene.
The most effective means of preventing Hepatitis B infection is vaccination. Unfortunately, there is no vaccination against Hepatitis C infection, hence one should follow other preventive measures that are also suitable for protection against Hepatitis B: use condoms during sexual intercourse, do not use razors, manicure and pedicure equipment used by other people, avoid using narcotic substances but if you use them do not share with others needles and syringes, wear gloves when working with human biological fluids, etc.
Hepatitis D infection cannot occur in the absence of Hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B vaccination is the only way to prevent HDV infection. Other Hepatitis B prevention measures already mentioned are also suitable.
The most important preventive measures for Hepatitis E are: maintaining the quality standards of publicly supplied drinking water; proper sewage treatment; compliance with hygiene rules; and proper heat treatment of meat and seafood. Also, if you are not sure whether the water and ice is safe to consume, do not use it.
Testing for viral Hepatitis B and C is recommended first of all for:
• Persons who had blood transfusion before1993;
• Persons with elevated liver enzymes for unknown causes;
• Healthcare workers who have contact with blood or body fluids;
• Pregnant women;
• Children whose mothers had viral Hepatitis during pregnancy or childbirth;
• Persons with a family member diagnosed with Hepatitis B / C;
• Persons who have had many sexual partners;
• Persons living with HIV infection;
• Persons who have used injecting drugs at least once;
• Former prisoners.
Consult your family doctor regarding free testing for viral Hepatitis C infection.
Last updated: 28-07-2023
Related news:
NPHC Recommendations to Residents Regarding the Fire in Šilutė
Preliminary Overview of the 2025–2026 Influenza Season
Flu Season Is Ending: Incidence Rates Lower Than at the Same Time Last Year
Respiratory infection morbidity is decreasing
NPHC Provides Guidance on How toAct When Air Pollution Increases