2023-07-28 20:00:45
According to the WHO, there are five types of hepatitis (A, B, C, D and E) and together they cause one million deaths per year.
In Mexico it is estimated that 7 out of 10 people will get hepatitis at some point in their lives.
Most of the patients never know their health condition because they do not have frequent health examinations and it is a disease that does not generate symptoms in its early stages.
To deal with different types of hepatitis (A, B, C, D y E) prevention is important but also the development of vaccines. In no way can it be underestimated nor is it a minor issue because it is currently the seventh leading cause of mortality globally. In addition, there are no clear figures about the people infected because there are millions who suffer from the disease for years without knowing it because the symptoms are not noticeable.
For her part, the World Health Organization (WHO) One of its goals is to eradicate this disease by 2030, although some specialists consider that it is an unlikely objective.
In this regard, only annually are recorded more than a million deaths related to hepatitis. It is also estimated that a new infection is recorded every 10 seconds. Among the five main types, the ones that cause the most concern are B and C, which are transmitted by blood. Together they are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis B y C
Now the Dr. William Careywho is interim chief of the Hepatology Section of Cleveland Clinic remember that vaccines against hepatitis A and B are already available. It also recommends that all people be screened for type C infection at least once in their lives.
“In terms of similarities, the B and C viruses are stealthy, which means that most of the time there are no symptoms at the time of infection. This is especially true in the case of hepatitis C. In a small percentage of hepatitis B cases, there may be relatively mild symptoms, such as fatigue.”
developed vaccines
Regarding the differences, there is a fairly large one. At present there are already developed vaccines to prevent hepatitis B but there is still no one against type C. However, through medical treatments it is possible to achieve the cure of a patient with the C virus; on the other hand, type B can only be suppressed although it will always remain in the person.
In this case, suppression is enough to prevent further liver damage or transmission to other people, but since the virus lies dormant in liver cells, it can be reactivated under certain conditions.
“The vast majority of hepatitis B infections occur at birth, passed from mother to child. Fortunately, most countries now have programs to identify pregnant women infected with hepatitis B and highly effective immunization strategies to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Mothers with a very high viral load will be given medication to lower their viral load, which further decreases the chance of the baby becoming infected.”
In summary, reaching the WHO 2030 target requires a three-pronged strategy for hepatitis B: vaccination, interruption of mother-to-child transmission, and for those who are infected, suppression of the virus through drugs. . While for type C it is required that all people undergo screening and offer free treatment to all those infected.
Also read:
Hepatitis C in Mexico: More than 22 thousand people have been cured
95% of children with hepatitis B are at risk of chronic complications
Health events in July: From Hepatitis Day to Allergy Day
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