Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özay Akyıldız said that hepatitis carriers can learn about their condition incidentally through a routine check or blood test, and that social awareness should increase to ensure that patients are diagnosed and treated.
Acıbadem Adana Hospital Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özay Akyıldız stated that liver infections that develop due to an infectious infection are called “viral hepatitis” and gave important information about these diseases. Pointing out that viral hepatitis causes serious health problems such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, Akyıldız said, “Today, it has become possible to protect against some hepatitis viruses by following hygiene rules and others by vaccination.”
Emphasizing that viral hepatitis is widespread all over the world and is a public health problem that causes more than 1 million people to die every year, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akyıldız said, “Viral hepatitis can cause death by causing cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. More than half of the cases of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer in our country develop due to viral hepatitis.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akyıldız said that the 5 types of viruses that cause hepatitis are classified as A, B, C, D and E. Stating that Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) are transmitted through the fecal oral route, that is, through feces, water and food, Akyıldız stated that HAV does not have a chronic carrier status, while HEV is thought to cause only acute hepatitis. He added that the transmission of these viruses can be prevented by paying attention to hygienic living, hand washing and food hygiene.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akyıldız said, “Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can be transmitted through virus-infected blood and blood products, medical and surgical interventions performed with non-sterile instruments, intravenous drug use, tattoo and piercing applications, from mother to child during childbirth, and rarely through unprotected sexual intercourse with the person carrying the virus. It can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis.”
“The vaccination program continues with 90 percent success”
Underlining that HBV infection is a vaccine-preventable disease, Akyıldız said, “The Ministry of Health has included HBV vaccine in the childhood vaccination program since 1998 and continues this program with over 90 percent success. HAV vaccine is recommended for people who will travel to risky areas and who do not have immunity.”
Stating that hepatitis due to HBV or HCV can be treated for about 30 years, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akyıldız said, “There are different number of treatments in the treatment of chronic HBV, and patients use medication as 1 tablet a day. In HCV treatment, almost all patients can be treated in a short period of 2-3 months with new treatment methods. Hepatitis B and C patients in our country have been able to receive treatment in line with world standards.”
Pointing out that a significant portion of patients with HCV and HBV infections are not diagnosed, Akyıldız said, “Carriers can learn about their condition by chance through a routine check or blood test. Social awareness needs to be raised to ensure that these patients are diagnosed and receive treatment.”
Aiming to stop the transmission and ensure that everyone can access treatment
Stating that studies are carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Hepatitis Union (DHB) to raise awareness, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akyıldız also stated that they aim to remove viral hepatitis from the list of diseases that threaten humanity in the future by informing the society, drawing attention to preventive measures and informing about treatment methods.
İHA Haber Kodu: 20240912AW285866