Pointing out that the incidence of hepatitis is increasing every year, Gastroenterology Specialist Dr. Mustafa Özel stated that most patients do not know that they carry hepatitis virus.
Dr. Mustafa Özel, Gastroenterology Specialist at Bursa City Hospital, made statements within the scope of July 28 World Hepatitis Day. Stating that hepatitis is simply inflammation of the liver, Uzm. Dr. Özel underlined that there are many causes such as heavy alcohol use, some medications, some toxins and viruses.
Emphasizing that the incidence of hepatitis has increased according to the World Health Organization's 2024 reports, Uzm. Dr. Özel said, “The number of deaths due to hepatitis, which was 1 million 100 thousand in 2019, is reported as 1 million 300 thousand in 2022. This is reflected as the second most common cause of death due to infectious diseases. One out of every 3 people in our country encounters hepatitis virus. Either they have become immune, chronic or unaware that they have encountered it.”
Stating that the prevalence of hepatitis B in Turkey is 3 to 4 percent and the prevalence of hepatitis C is around 0.5 to 1 percent, Özel said, “In terms of number, hepatitis B is around 250 thousand and hepatitis C is around 50 thousand. In this respect, hepatitis viruses, Hepatitis B and C are of serious importance, especially in terms of transmission. Most patients do not know that they have Hepatitis B or C virus. A study conducted in Turkey shows that 12 percent of citizens are aware that they carry Hepatitis B or C virus.”
“Transmitted through contaminated food and water”
Stating that hepatitis A and E viruses are mostly transmitted from contaminated food and water through the transmission method called fecal oral, Özel said, “Hepatitis B, C and D are mostly caused by contact with body fluids. In other words, blood transfusion can be given to a patient, it can be transmitted that way. It can be transmitted by poorly sterilized surgical instruments or by poorly sterilized, poorly cleaned and unhygienic dentist intervention. It can also occur in manicure, pedicure environments and hairdressers. Piercing and tattooing, which are more popular among young people today, can be transmitted if they are not done with disposable tools in a hygienic and sterile environment.”
“Pay attention to hand washing”
Stating that hepatitis generally does not show symptoms, Özel pointed out that most people can get the disease without symptoms. However, in the acute period; emphasizing that it can show symptoms with symptoms affecting the whole body such as fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, jaundice, light-colored stools, Özel said, “To prevent the disease, we should pay attention to hand washing before and after meals, hand washing before and after the toilet. We should consume food after making sure it is thoroughly cooked. Condoms should be used to prevent sexual transmission of hepatitis B and C viruses. Care should be taken not to share materials such as shavers, toothbrushes, razors, manicure, pedicure, nail clippers. Tattoo, acupuncture and piercing materials should be disposable and sterile. Finally, of course, it is necessary to receive service from centers approved by our Ministry of Health.”
“Hepatitis can be treated”
Stating that strong treatments, especially vaccination, are applied in the treatment of the disease, Uzm. Dr. Özel continued his words as follows:
“Vaccination is especially ideal for Hepatitis B and A. Every newborn baby has been vaccinated with Hepatitis B vaccine since 1998. Its protection reaches 99 percent. For Hepatitis A, this routine use was introduced in 2012. Its protection is also high. We also have strong treatments for Hepatitis B and C. Especially for Hepatitis C, we have strong treatments such as one or several tablets to be taken orally every 2-3 months. A very high rate of cure is achieved. For hepatitis B, there are medicines with limited side effects that are taken once a day. These may need to be taken once a day, like blood pressure medication. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. It is generally mild in childhood, a little more severe in adulthood, but self-limiting. The World Health Organization's Hepatitis Day theme for 2024 is 'Time to Take Action'. We must act now, reduce the spread of the hepatitis virus, take precautions and look to the future with more confidence.”
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