Professor Bollberg invented the hepatitis B virus in 1956 and eventually won the Nobel Prize in this field. With the discovery of this virus and the development of its vaccine, the incidence of new cases of the disease in the world and even in our country has been greatly reduced, but new carriers are still entering this field.
Dr. Seyed Moayed Alaviyan, a specialist in liver and gastrointestinal diseases and a professor at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, says: “It is about raising public awareness and preventing the spread of the disease, because hepatitis causes many problems for patients and the community, and if the disease is not controlled properly, it may lead to the death of the patient.”
What is hepatitis?
“Hepatitis” literally means “inflammation of the liver.” It is caused by certain medications, genetic diseases, autoimmune diseases, and the entry of a virus into the body, but the hepatitis that the general public is familiar with is viral hepatitis. Humans may not play a significant role in preventing non-viral hepatitis, but it is unknowingly contracted.
What are the types of viruses and how do humans get them?
There are eight known types of hepatitis virus, three of which are more important, A, B and C because they are symptomatic. Of course, two types, B and C, are dangerous. These two types of viruses are replaced in the liver and gradually destroy its tissue, causing a dangerous and deadly disease called cirrhosis of the liver.
You said that human infection with these two types of viruses is due to lack of awareness, what do you mean?
The hepatitis B and C virus are transmitted from person to person. These viruses live in human blood and secretions, so the transmission pathway is blocked by recognizing the routes of transmission and maintaining good hygiene. Transmission of hepatitis through infected syringes (in injecting drug users) as well as tattooing, cupping, tattooing, ear piercing, infected dental services, receiving infected blood or donated organ (before 1996), mother infected with hepatitis C virus to her baby (in In rare cases), medical staff come into contact with the virus through infected blood and sexually.
The virus is present in vaginal secretions, semen, and saliva, and the disease is more common in people with genital herpes. Let’s not forget that the virus is not transmitted through handshake, rubbing or going to the pool, but by sneezing the carrier, some saliva may enter the other person’s eyes, in which case he may be infected with the virus.
How long does the virus survive in the environment?
Hepatitis C virus survives in dried blood for 3 months and hepatitis B virus lives at minus 20 degrees for up to 15 years and at room temperature for up to 6 months. Rinse, then use disinfectants such as glutaraldehyde or formalin to disinfect clothing or any other object, or boil it in 100 ° C water for 3 to 5 minutes.
Is there any sign of hepatitis virus entering the body?
It may have no symptoms, but with the onset of the hepatitis B virus, most people develop symptoms of fatigue, nausea, fever, muscle aches, anorexia, and sometimes a rash after a week of latent illness, which is very similar to the symptoms of a cold. Jaundice, thick urine, and pale stools are other symptoms of hepatitis B, but hepatitis C has a longer latency period and most patients are unaware of it until they have liver damage.
How can the virus be detected in the early stages?
Detection of the virus is possible with a blood test. Of course, not everyone should want this test. The patient’s history and examination should also be considered. People who are addicted to injections or have the symptoms mentioned above, and generally suspicious people, it is best to see a doctor.
Can a vaccine give immunity?
The best way to fight hepatitis B and C is to prevent and follow health tips, but the vaccine is best given to all infants and people at risk, such as health workers, people with diseases that require blood transfusions, and people living with a person with hepatitis. Dealing with the disease. Of course, no vaccine has been developed for hepatitis C.
Can the virus be eliminated in the body?
Sometimes the virus remains latent and asymptomatic for the rest of its life, but the results of research conducted in Iran show that out of every 100 Iranians infected with hepatitis B, the virus is removed from the body of one person for unknown reasons and 2 to 3 people recur within a few years. They get sick. As long as the virus is inactive; There is no specific treatment for patients. Medications have side effects and are expensive, so they should be taken when your doctor prescribes them to a patient.
Patients should see a doctor every 6 months to check their liver status and avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, and in addition to taking care of themselves, they should also take care of those around them and always use their personal tools such as razors, towels, and so on. Hepatitis carriers can live like ordinary people in society.
Source: Iran Health
