Kare Plus Supports Hepatitis Awareness Week

This week is Hepatitis Awareness Week and at Kare Plus, we’re urging you to love your liver and get checked out if you have any concerns or something doesn’t feel right.

And today (Friday 28th July) is World Hepatitis Day.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver and has five different main types with two separate causes.

The liver is an vital organ, helping the human body process nutrients, purify blood and fight against infections.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), 354 million people in the world are living with Hepatitis B or C. Kare Plus fully supports raise awareness of this disease, both in support of treatment research and education to help prevent the spread of infection.

There are five main types of hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E.

Hepatitis A and E are usually caused by consuming contaminated food or water, while Hepatitis B, C, and D are being spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids.

Hepatitis A is very rare in the UK

• Usually passed on through contaminated food and water
• Common in places where it is difficult to access clean drinking water
• Most people will make a full recovery without needing medical treatment
• Can be dangerous for those with an existing long-term liver conditions
• There is a free vaccine available for those at higher risk

Hepatitis B affects millions worldwide

• It is passed on by blood to blood contact
• Usually a lifelong disease, it is usually picked up at birth or as a small child
• Can lead to liver cancer or cirrhosis in some people
• Incurable but can be controlled with medication
• There is a free vaccine available

Hepatitis C is also passed on through blood to blood contact

• Often there are no symptoms for months or even years
• Diagnosis is through blood tests, with free home tests available in England
• There is no vaccine but it can be easily treated with medication
• It can be very dangerous if not treated

Hepatitis D can only be contracted if you have had Hepatitis B

• It is possible to have both types B and D at the same time or you can get type D later
• Having both types for a long time increases the risk of serious complications
• The same vaccine for Hepatitis B protects against type D

Hepatitis E is the other variant usually contracted through contaminated food or undercooked meat

• Most people will recover after a few months
• It can sometimes cause longer term, more serious liver problems and damage
• Those who are pregnant, have had a transplant or are otherwise immunosuppressed are at higher risk

Symptoms of all the types of hepatitis vary and can take many years to develop. They can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-coloured stools, joint pain and jaundice.

It is essential to live a healthy lifestyle and practise basic self-care routine to help manage symptoms of hepatitis, in additional to seeking medical attention quickly.

Greatly reducing or even giving up alcohol, drinking enough water, watching your body weight, eating enough fruits, sleeping well, working out and ensuring your body has all the essential vitamins and minerals to function well are all important.

If you think you may have hepatitis, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complication and while some forms most people will recover from fully, others can’t be cured but can be managed and controlled with medication.

There are also several charities that support people with hepatitis. These include The British Liver Trust, The Hepatitis C Trust, the Hepatitis B Foundation UK and in Scotland, Hepatitis Scotland.

These organisations provide a variety of resources and support services to people with hepatitis, including education and information as well as assistance for medical care.

Hepatitis Awareness Week is our opportunity to raise awareness of this illness with our audience as a healthcare staff solutions company.

This is our time to support a real change and facilitate hepatitis prevention, support and diagnosis.

To find out more about all forms of hepatitis, treatment and prevention, visit The British Liver Trust.