Universal screening for hepatitis among all adults over 18 years of age is necessary to prevent silent liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, according to medical experts speaking at a recent health webinar. Experts from Kauvery Hospital stressed that while hepatitis infections like Hepatitis A and E remain less serious, Hepatitis B and C pose severe chronic risks that demand timely screening, vaccination, and long-term medical surveillance.
Understanding Hepatitis Transmission and Risks
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by viruses A, B, C, D, and E, according to A. Shafique, an Interventional Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Kauvery Hospital in Tirunelveli. Speaking during the webinar ‘Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down – Prevention, Early Detection, Cure’ organised as part of The Hindu Wellness Series, Dr. Shafique explained that Hepatitis A and E carry a lower risk of becoming chronic infections. In contrast, Hepatitis B and C are dangerous infections that can lead directly to liver cancer if left undetected.
Because Hepatitis B and C often act as silent infections in their early stages, Dr. Shafique called for universal screening of all adults above 18 years of age. He emphasized that screening should particularly target pregnant women and individuals managing certain comorbidities to identify liver damage and cirrhosis early.
Did you know? Hepatitis B and C can remain completely silent for years while fibrosis gradually increases, replacing healthy liver tissue with scar tissue until it progresses to cirrhosis.
Symptoms, Warning Signs, and Long-Term Surveillance
When hepatitis infects the liver, it triggers inflammation that can cause permanent damage over time, according to Swati Raju, senior consultant in Medical Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Transplant Hepatology at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai – Vadapalani. Dr. Swati discussed the various symptoms and complications of the disease during the session, noting that the resulting scarring often progresses silently.
Patients diagnosed with Hepatitis B may require lifelong treatment in certain cases, while Hepatitis C can generally be cleared with a finite course of medication, according to Dr. Swati. Even when the virus appears inactive, patients continue facing tumor risks, making regular annual check-ups mandatory.
The Role of Vaccination and Lifestyle Modifications
U. Vamsidhar Reddy, clinical lead in Hepatology and Liver Transplant at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai – Radial Road and Tirunelveli. Dr. Vamsidhar noted that while an effective vaccine for Hepatitis C does not currently exist, potent antiviral treatments are available to manage the condition.
Alongside immunizations, Dr. Vamsidhar highlighted that lifestyle modifications significantly reduce the progression of liver disease. The webinar itself was presented by Kauvery Hospital to mark World Hepatitis Day and was moderated by Meenakshy S., principal correspondent at The Hindu.
Pro Tip: Adults over 18, especially pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions, should consult their physicians about universal screening to catch silent liver inflammation early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary differences between Hepatitis A, B, and C?
According to Dr. A. Shafique, Hepatitis A and E are generally less serious with a lower risk of chronic infection. Conversely, Hepatitis B and C are dangerous viral infections that can lead to chronic illness, liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
Is there a vaccine available for all types of hepatitis?
No. Dr. U.V. Vamsidhar Reddy stated that vaccines exist for Hepatitis A and B, but a vaccine for Hepatitis C is not currently available.
Why is universal screening recommended for adults?
Dr. A. Shafique explained that Hepatitis B and C often present as silent infections in their early stages. Universal screening for adults over 18 helps identify hidden liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer before symptoms become severe.
Do patients need ongoing monitoring after clearing Hepatitis C?
Yes. According to Dr. Swati Raju, both Hepatitis B and C require long-term surveillance. Even when the virus is inactive, patients face ongoing tumor risks that make annual check-ups necessary.
Join the conversation on liver health and preventive care. Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!