By Admin 
How Common Is Hepatitis In India: Millions of people in India are living with Hepatitis B or C, but they are not even aware of it. They go to work every day and lead normal lives, yet a virus silently keeps damaging their liver. By the time symptoms appear, the condition has often become serious, increasing the risk of liver cirrhosis, liver failure or even liver cancer.
What do experts say?
Dr. Sourdeep Choudhary, department of internal medicine, Medanta Hospital, told TOI that the burden of hepatitis virus is very high in India. It is estimated that about 3-4 percent of the country’s population is infected with Hepatitis B, while Hepatitis C is found in 0.5-1 percent of the people. That means more than one crore people are living with chronic infection. The problem is that both viruses can remain asymptomatic for years, so most people do not get tested until severe liver damage has occurred.
Patients come in large numbers
Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E, the five types of viruses, account for a large number of cases in India. Hepatitis A is usually responsible for 10-30 percent of acute cases in areas with poor sanitation, while hepatitis E is associated with 10-40 percent of acute hepatitis and 15-45 percent of acute liver failure, especially in pregnant women. Lack of awareness is also a big problem. Many people believe that liver disease occurs only in those who drink alcohol, whereas this is not completely true. Some people also have the misconception that hepatitis spreads through casual contact such as eating food, hugging or coughing, which is a misconception.
How can it spread?
Hepatitis B and C infection can often be spread through unsafe injections, untested blood transfusions, unsafe surgery or dental procedures, tattooing or piercing with infected needles, and from mother to child during delivery. If hepatitis B or C is not treated, it can gradually cause fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver, which can later turn into liver cancer. The good thing is that hepatitis C is now treatable and can be cured with medication for 8 to 12 weeks. However, most cases of hepatitis B require long-term treatment.
Also read- Best Cancer Hospital in Delhi: From AIIMS to Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, these are the most trusted cancer hospitals of Delhi; Know the facilities
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator