How Can You Get Hepatitis and How to Protect Yourself
Hepatitis is a serious viral infection that attacks and inflames the liver. It can be caused by different strains of virus, with hepatitis A, B, and C being the most prevalent forms. Globally, around 325 million people are living with hepatitis, with many more people being affected than COVID-19, HIV, or malaria. Hepatitis can cause severe liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer if left untreated.
Therefore, it is important to understand how hepatitis is spread and how one can protect oneself from getting infected.
How hepatitis can be spread
Hepatitis is mainly spread through the transmission of infected blood or body fluids. Some of the most common ways hepatitis is spread are:
1. Sharing of needles or other equipment used for injecting drugs
Hepatitis B and C can be spread through sharing needles or other injecting equipment, such as a syringe, with an infected person. This includes not just sharing needles when injecting drugs, but also sharing other injecting equipment like spoons or cotton wool. This is one of the most common ways to spread hepatitis, especially within the drug-using community.
2. Unprotected sex with someone who is infected
Hepatitis B and C can be spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who is infected. While the risk of sexual transmission of hepatitis is generally lower than for HIV, the risk can be increased if a person has multiple sex partners, has a sexually transmitted infection, or engages in sexual activities that cause bleeding or tearing of the skin or mucous membranes.
3. Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant from an infected donor
Until recently, many people acquired hepatitis C through blood transfusions. While this transmission method is now rare due to improvements in blood screening, tissue and organ transplants still pose a risk of hepatitis transmission if the donor is infected. Donor screening for hepatitis is now standard, and organs are thoroughly tested before transplantation to reduce the risk of transmission.
4. Using contaminated medical equipment or receiving medical care in an unsanitary environment
In developing countries, unsafe medical practices can expose patients to hepatitis B and C. This can include the use of unsterilized needles or reusing medical equipment without proper disinfection. Healthcare workers may also spread the virus when they have inadequate training, lack appropriate protective equipment, or do not follow infection control guidelines when treating patients.
5. Consuming contaminated food or water
Hepatitis A and E can be spread through contaminated water or food. This is more common in developing countries where water contamination is an issue, but outbreaks can occur even in developed countries due to contaminated food or water supplies. Proper food handling and preparation is important to minimize the risk of hepatitis infection.
How to protect oneself from hepatitis
The good news is that there are a number of things we can do to protect ourselves from hepatitis. Here are practical tips and advice for each of the five ways hepatitis is commonly spread:
1. Sharing of needles or other equipment used for injecting drugs
If you use drugs, the most effective way to prevent hepatitis infection is by stopping drug use altogether. However, that is not always possible. Therefore, avoid sharing needles, syringes or other injecting equipment with other people. There are needle exchange programs that will provide clean needles for free, which reduces the likelihood of the equipment transmitting hepatitis.
2. Unprotected sex with someone who is infected
Using barrier protection methods for sex like condoms or dental dams can reduce the risk of hepatitis transmission. It is essential to practice safe sex by always using protection correctly and consistently to decrease the risk of hepatitis as well as other sexually transmitted infections.
3. Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant from an infected donor
In developed countries, it is highly unlikely that you will contract hepatitis C through receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant. However, it is best to ask the doctor or medical professional for more information on how they screen donors or how they test organs before transplantation. If a person is considering undergoing a medical procedure abroad, they should seek information from trusted sources before making a decision.
4. Using contaminated medical equipment or receiving medical care in an unsanitary environment
If you are in a medical environment, it is important to ensure that the healthcare staff or medical professionals who attend to you are taking proper precautions and following infection control guidelines. If you notice that they are not taking the necessary precautions, speak with a supervisor or medical professional in charge. Be proactive in your health and safety by advocating for yourself.
5. Consuming contaminated food or water
Always drink only boiled or bottled water in developing countries where water contamination is common. Practice good hand hygiene habits by washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Before eating, thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables and avoid eating food that is past its expiration date.
Conclusion
Hepatitis is a serious viral infection that can be prevented. It is essential to protect ourselves by learning about how hepatitis is spread and taking the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection. By practicing safe sex, using clean needles, ensuring medical equipment is sterilized, and practicing good hygiene, we can significantly reduce the risk of contracting Hepatitis. If you believe you could be infected or exposed to hepatitis, seek medical attention right away. Early detection and treatment can prevent severe liver damage. With the right knowledge and care, hepatitis is a manageable and preventable disease.
