Overview

• Ahead of World Hepatitis Day on July 28, Dr Yiannis Kallis has launched a campaign to correct misconceptions about viral hepatitis and raise public awareness
• Viral hepatitis consists of five distinct viruses (A–E), with hepatitis A and E causing acute infections and B, C and D capable of chronic disease that may lead to cirrhosis, liver failure or cancer
• Hepatitis A and E spread through contaminated food and water, whereas hepatitis B, C and D are transmitted via infected blood and, for B and D, also through sexual contact
• Chronic hepatitis B and C infections often show no early symptoms, while adult-onset acute cases can present with jaundice, dark urine and general malaise, underlining the importance of liver function testing
• Prevention measures include vaccines for hepatitis A and B, strict food and water hygiene, sterile medical practices and barrier methods, and treatment ranges from self-limiting recovery in A and E to curative antivirals for C and long-term control of B