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Expert-Led Campaign Debunks Hepatitis Myths Ahead of World Hepatitis Day

Dr Yiannis Kallis is equipping the public with clear guidelines on prevention, symptom recognition, treatment options for all five viral hepatitis types before the global awareness day

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