Hepatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the liver. Today, Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis but other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also result in the inflammatory condition of the liver.
There are 5 main types of hepatitis viruses, referred to as A, B, C, D and E. However, the majority of people who have hepatitis are unaware, as it doesn’t often show symptoms right away. If left untreated, hepatitis can lead to serious health problems.
Myths and misconceptions about the disease often stop people from getting diagnosed and prevent early care. Here are of common myths associated with the disease:
Myth 1: All Hepatitis viruses are the same.
Fact: Not all Hepatitis viruses are the same. Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are different from diverse methods of transmission and clinical manifestations. While Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through food, Hepatitis B and C are spread through blood transfusion, unprotected sex, and tattoos. Hepatitis D occurs to patients suffering from Hepatitis B.
Myth 2: Don’t eat food prepared by someone with hepatitis. It may be contaminated and you might catch it.
Fact: You may get hepatitis A and E from food prepared by someone with the disease but only if proper hygiene is not maintained. Hepatitis B and C are not transmitted by casual contact.
Myth 3: Women with hepatitis should abstain from breastfeeding their babies to avoid passing the infection.
Fact: Hepatitis C and B are not transmitted through breast milk, although there is a risk of transmission through cracked nipples.
Myth 4: People who have hepatitis B or C should not have children because they will pass it on to them.
Fact: The risk of transmission from mother to baby is different for hepatitis B and hepatitis C. But having either of these conditions is no reason for not having children. Overall, the risk of mother to baby transmission of hepatitis C during birth is very low. It is recommended to consult your doctor. There is a risk of transmitting hepatitis B from mother to infant during the birthing process. However, most transmissions to the baby can be avoided by giving baby hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and the first shot of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
Myth 5: People suffering from Hepatitis should consume only bland and boiled food.
Fact: Good nutrition is important during hepatitis. If the patient is nauseated, whatever he/she desires to eat should be welcome. Glucose solution, sugarcane juice, bitter gourd, radish are not recommended. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, it can also be taken.
Myth 6: People with hepatitis can never drink alcohol.
Fact: While it is best to abstain from alcohol if your liver is damaged, people with hepatitis can still drink alcohol in limited quantities, depending on the state of their liver health.
Myth 7: One can differentiate between various types of Acute Viral Hepatitis (AVH) based on clinical symptoms.
Fact: Patients with AVH develop a short febrile illness followed by loss of appetite, highcoloured urine, and vomiting. Jaundice usually lasts for 2 to 3 weeks and may be associated with intense itching. The type of virus can be differentiated only by blood tests.
Myth 8: Vaccine is available against all types of Hepatitis virus.
Fact: Vaccines are available only against Hepatitis A and B.
Dr Ansul Gupta is Consultant Gastroenterology at Nayati Medicity, Mathura.