Here’s your guide to protect children from getting affected by hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver. Here is a guide to know everything about this inflammatory condition.

By: Aishwarya Iyer | | Updated: July 27, 2018 4:57 pm

July 28 is observed as World Hepatitis Day

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver. Hepatitis is contagious in nature and can transmit from the mother to her new-born baby. “Hepatitis is categorized by its diverse forms according to the virus type, which are A, B, C, D, and E which can be seen amongst children,” said Dr Vinay Dhir, HOD-Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, SL Raheja Hospital.

I. Hepatitis A is the most common condition amongst babies and children.

Symptoms:
 Fever
 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Lack of appetite
 Constant fatigue
 Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Causes:
 It is caused due to the intake of contaminated fruits, vegetables, seafood, and other food sources
 Eating food made by an individual who hasn’t washed his/her hands properly
 Drinking contaminated water

Prevention:

Vaccination is recommended for children between 12-23 months of age, followed by a second shot at after every 6 months.
“The vaccine is also recommended for teenagers and young adults, who live in areas prone to the Hepatitis-A infection,” added Dr Dhir.

II. Hepatitis B: Acute Hepatitis B is a newly acquired infection and individuals affected by the infection notice symptoms between 1 and 4 months after exposure to the virus.

Symptoms:
 Joint pain
 Pain in the stomach
 Nausea and vomiting
 Jaundice
 Rash
 Expulsion of dark urine
 Fever
 Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Causes:
 Newborn whose mother is infected with Hepatitis-B
 Coming into contact with or exposure to blood infected with Hepatitis-B

Prevention:

“Vaccinating toddlers and infants at the early stage is a sure way to prevent Hepatitis-B,” said Dr Dhir.
Three doses are required a 0-1-6 month schedule, followed by a booster at 5yrs.

III. Hepatitis C: This virus is spread by coming in contact with contaminated blood, for example, by sharing needles or from unsterile tattoo equipment.

Symptoms:
 Pain in the joints and muscles
 Fatigue
 Persisting high fever
 Yellowing of the eyes and skin
 Dark urine

Causes:
 “Amongst children, Hepatitis-C stems from mothers who have been infected with the virus, thereby, getting passed on to their children during pregnancies,” said Dr Dhir.
 Children affected by kidney failure, that are in need of dialysis
 Children who have blood clotting conditions such as hemophilia

Prevention:

Hepatitis-C is best prevented by eliminating exposure.
Avoid intake of contaminated food, water.
Avoid contact with persons infected by the virus.
Remember, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis-C.

IV. Hepatitis D: This is an infection that occurs among only those who are affected by Hepatitis B.

Symptoms:
 Joint pain
 Pain in the stomach
 Nausea and vomiting
 Jaundice
 Rash
 Expulsion of dark urine
 Fever
 Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Causes: “Hepatitis-D is not caused on its own and is imitative from Hepatitis-B infections,” said Dr Dhir.

Prevention:

“Vaccinating toddlers and infants at the early stage is a sure way to prevent Hepatitis-B,” said Dr Dhir.
Three doses are required a 0-1-6 month schedule, followed by a booster at 5yrs.

V. Hepatitis E: This is a virus that is mainly transmitted through drinking water that is contaminated with faecal matter.

Symptoms: “The symptoms of hepatitis-E are much related to those of other Hepatitis infections. Some of the symptoms are nausea, vomiting and joint pain,” said Dr Dhir.

Causes:
Hepatitis-E is transferred from mothers to newborn babies during pregnancies. Care should be taken to avoid coming into contact with Hepatitis-E in the first place.

Prevention:

Proper hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits prevent hepatitis-E.
Hygiene habits such as washing hands properly.
Ensure a fresh supply of water that is free from contamination.
Monitor food sources and running quality checks before serving.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Published : July 27, 2018 4:35 pm | Updated:July 27, 2018 4:57 pm

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