Hepatitis is a concerning disease that primarily affects the liver. It can lead to inflammation of the liver, which, if left untreated, can cause scarring or cirrhosis and impaired liver function. This is why you must recognise whether you're at risk of the illness and take necessary tests to rule out the problem.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Bhavini Shah, Head of Microbiology, Neuberg Supratech Reference Laboratories, Ahmedabad discusses the common risk factors of hepatitis and everything you need to know about hepatitis tests.
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Types Of Hepatitis
Hepatitis is classified into several types, each caused by different viruses. The five main types of viral hepatitis include:
Hepatitis A (HAV)
Caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), it spreads through the consumption of contaminated food or water and can also spread through close contact with an infected person.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth. It can also spread through sexual contact with an infected person.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Hepatitis C can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, which includes sharing needles or other drug-injecting equipment, and can transfer from mother to child during childbirth. However, it is less common through sexual contact.
Hepatitis D (HDV)
Hepatitis D, also known as delta hepatitis, occurs in individuals who are already infected with hepatitis B. HDV is usually transmitted through the same routes as hepatitis B, primarily through contact with infected blood or sexual contact.
Hepatitis E (HEV)
Hepatitis E spreads due to the consumption of contaminated food or water. It is common in areas with poor sanitation and can cause waterborne outbreaks.
More than 35 crore people are living with viral hepatitis worldwide, says the World Health Organization (WHO), adding that each year over 10 lakh people lose their lives because of conditions related to acute hepatitis and chronic infection that cause liver cancer and cirrhosis.
You can also acquire non-viral forms of hepatitis caused by factors, such as alcohol abuse, toxins, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic disorders. These non-viral hepatitis types are not infectious and do not result from a viral infection.
Who Is At Risk?
One of the most common risk factors include alcoholism, whereas for viral hepatitis, other factors may come into play. These include:
- Sexual contact with infected person
- Infected blood transfusion
- Unhygienic tattoo and piercings
- Contaminated needle prick
- Illegal drug use
Why Get A Hepatitis Test
“Hepatitis can cause problems in our liver, which is an essential organ that helps digest food and filters toxins. Early testing helps catch hepatitis before it causes more harm,” says Dr Shah, adding that hepatitis symptoms can be different. Some common symptoms include feeling tired, having yellowish skin (jaundice), tummy ache, feeling sick, and having a fever. However, some people might not show any signs at all. That said, testing becomes the most effective tool to diagnose the condition and facilitate timely treatment.
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What You Need To Know About Hepatitis Test
“If you're at a higher risk of getting hepatitis, like healthcare workers, people with multiple sexual partners, drug users who inject, or living with someone who has hepatitis, it's good to get tested regularly,” Dr Shah recommends.
Explaining the test process, the doctor shares that it usually involves taking a small amount of blood and examining it in a lab. They look for specific markers or antibodies to find out if you have hepatitis and which type it is.
There’s something known as the window period. According to the doctor, some tests might not detect hepatitis right after infection. This time is called the "window period." So if you had a recent exposure, it's best to retest after a few weeks, she advises.
“In a nutshell, getting tested for hepatitis helps catch any infections early, so you can take proper care of your liver and overall health. If you think you might be at risk or experience any symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested. Remember, knowing your status and taking preventive measures is the first step in staying healthy,” Dr Shah concludes.
