A doctor has revealed some of the biggest myths about the condition
Hepatitis continues to be a widespread illness globally, yet it’s often surrounded by myths and misunderstandings. Countless people mistakenly believe that it transmits through everyday social interactions such as sharing utensils, hugging, or kissing – or that it’s an inherited condition passed through generations.
Ahead of World Hepatitis Day (July 28), we chatted with Dr Yiannis Kallis, consultant hepatologist and gastroenterologist at Nuffield Health St Bartholomew’s Hospital, to bust these myths and shed light on the various types of hepatitis.
What is hepatitis?
“Viral hepatitis is an infection of the liver with a virus,” Dr Kallis said. “There are five different types of viral hepatitis: hepatitis A through to E. Some cause an acute but transient infection; others may cause a chronic, persistent infection over many years and may lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.”
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What causes hepatitis?
Dr Kallis went on: “Hepatitis A and hepatitis E are spread via the oral route. This means that they can be caught by drinking contaminated water or by eating infected food, much like a type of food poisoning or gastroenteritis.
“These viruses are more prevalent in the developing world, but they can also, rarely, be acquired in the UK.” Nevertheless, hepatitis B, C and D (called ‘delta’) are acquired through contact with contaminated blood.
“For example, through blood transfusion, sharing needles, the use of poorly sterilised medical/dental equipment, or at childbirth,” Dr Kallis went on. “These are termed the blood-borne viruses. Hepatitis B and delta may also be spread through sexual contact.”
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What are some symptoms of hepatitis?
Dr Kallis said: “Most people who catch a chronic viral hepatitis have no symptoms when they first acquire the virus and are unaware that they have it. This is especially the case if it is transmitted at childbirth or in childhood, which is the commonest time to catch chronic hepatitis B or C.”
He also noted that certain types of viral hepatitis, when contracted in adulthood, can result in jaundice and other general symptoms of feeling unwell.
“Jaundice is a yellow discolouration of the eyes and skin and is usually accompanied by very dark-coloured urine,” he continued. “If anyone becomes jaundiced, they should seek medical attention.”
Another sign of chronic viral hepatitis ( B or C) may be persistent abnormalities in liver blood tests. Dr Kallis added: “This is sometimes found by chance or during a general health check-up. If someone has persistently abnormal liver blood tests, they should see their GP or a liver specialist to ensure that this is properly investigated.”
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about hepatitis?
“The blood-borne viruses (hepatitis B, C and delta) are very unlikely to be caught by holding hands, kissing, sharing cutlery etc,” Dr Kallis said. “This is a misconception. It is also uncommon for hepatitis C to be caught through sex.”
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Can hepatitis lead to serious complications?
“Hepatitis A and hepatitis E generally only cause a transient illness from which the liver function fully recovers, and the virus is cleared,” Dr Kallis said, but noted a few rare exceptions to this.
“Chronic hepatitis B, C or delta can lead to the development of cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure over many years,” he added. “Hepatitis delta can only occur in people who also have hepatitis B infection. Chronic viral hepatitis is a leading cause of death due to liver disease globally and in some countries is a leading cause of cancer.”
Can hepatitis be prevented?
“Careful food hygiene and only drinking clean water are ways to reduce the risk of hepatitis A or E infection, particularly whilst travelling within the developing world,” Dr Kallis said. There are also vaccines available for certain types of hepatitis.
He continued: “There are effective vaccines against hepatitis A and B infection, but there is no specific vaccines for hepatitis C, D or E. But the transmission of blood-borne viruses can be prevented by not sharing needles among people who inject recreational drugs and sexual transmission risk can be minimised by the use of barrier methods such as condoms.”