🔎 What Are They?

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are viral infections that affect the liver, causing inflammation and potential long-term damage. They are spread through blood and body fluids, and may cause chronic (long-term) liver problems if not treated early.

These conditions are often silent for years, so many people don’t know they have them until routine testing or symptoms appear.

🧬 What Happens in Hepatitis?

• Cause mild symptoms initially (or none at all)
• Lead to chronic infection (especially Hepatitis C or if Hepatitis B starts in childhood)
• Over time, result in liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure, or even liver cancer

🚨 Common Symptoms (When They Appear)

• Fatigue or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dark-colored urine
• Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
• Joint pain (sometimes with Hepatitis B)

⚠ Often, there are no symptoms until the liver is already damaged.

❓ How Do You Get Hepatitis B or C?

Common Modes of Transmission:

• Blood transfusions (rare now with improved screening)
• Sharing needles (IV drug use, tattoos, piercings with unsterile tools)
• Unprotected sex with an infected person
• From mother to baby during childbirth
• Sharing razors or toothbrushes
• Long-term dialysis (rare)

Hepatitis B is more easily spread than Hepatitis C.

You do NOT get it from:

• Hugging, kissing, sharing food or water, or casual contact

🧪 How Are They Diagnosed?

• Blood tests to detect the virus and assess liver function
• Fibroscan or Ultrasound to assess liver damage or scarring
• HBsAg and Anti-HCV tests to confirm infection
• Viral load (HBV DNA or HCV RNA) to check how active the virus is

💊 Is There a Cure or Treatment?

✅ Hepatitis B:

• No permanent cure yet, but antiviral medicines can control the virus
• Medicines like tenofovir or entecavir help suppress the virus and protect the liver
• Lifelong monitoring is often needed

✅ Hepatitis C:

• Yes, curable in most cases!
• 8–12 weeks of oral antiviral tablets (DAAs) can completely clear the virus in 95–98% of patients
• No injections needed; minimal side effects

🛡️ How Can It Be Prevented?

💉 Hepatitis B Vaccine:

• Safe and effective – protects for life
• Part of routine childhood vaccination
• Recommended for healthcare workers, close family members, and people at risk

General Prevention Tips:

• Use only sterile needles and instruments for injections, tattoos, or piercings
• Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers
• Practice safe sex (use protection)
• Get tested if you had risky exposure or are pregnant

There is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C.

What if It’s Left Untreated?

• Silent liver damage can progress to cirrhosis (permanent scarring)
• Risk of liver failure or liver cancer increases
• Regular monitoring and early treatment can prevent complications and ensure a normal life

✅ Good to Know:

• Early detection saves lives
• Hepatitis C can be cured completely
• Hepatitis B is preventable by vaccine
• Treatment is often simple, with few side effects