On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, we tell you how to avoid it

July 28 marks the World Day Against Hepatitis, a date chosen to raise awareness of this disease and the dangers it entails.

But, what is hepatitis? It is an inflammation of the liver whose causes are the presence of immune cells in the body, viral infections, alcohol or toxic liver damage and d & # 39; Adverse effects of certain drugs.

It can start and improve quickly, it can also become a prolonged illness and lead to major complications. Dr. Maria Valeria El Haj, Medical Director of Vittal, explains: "Most of the time, hepatitis does not produce any symptoms and the disease goes unnoticed, so it can only be diagnosed by blood tests. " ]

This disease has three different types of symptoms:

Hepatitis A: is usually short-lived and does not lead to chronic liver problems, including symptoms of fatigue, nausea or vomiting, lack of appetite, fever above 38 ° C and pain under the ribs of the right side of the stomach. Other symptoms may appear such as: dark urine, pale stools, jaundice and itching

Hepatitis B: is caused by a virus that spreads when body fluids come into contact. This can happen when you have bad, sharing needles, toothbrushes, razors or other personal items with an infected person. A pregnant woman can also pbad the infection to her baby

The first time a person gets sick with hepatitis B, she may feel like having the Influenza: Most patients will progress favorably in about 6 months, but 1 in 20 adults who become ill eventually suffer from the disease for a long time, giving birth to what is known as chronic hepatitis B Although it has no symptoms, the infection can cause cirrhosis of the liver that causes inflammation of the stomach and legs, fluid accumulation in the lungs, a tendency to bruising or bruising. bleeding, difficulty breathing, feeling of fullness, sudden confusion and even coma

Hepatitis C: is spread mainly through blood-to-blood contact and often it does not occur. There are no symptoms. There is no vaccine for this infection and people can live a normal life with the necessary medical checks.