Celebrated on July 28, World Day to Fight Viral Hepatitis seeks to raise awareness of diseases that often evolve silently. Viral hepatitis are infections that cause inflammation in the liver and can be caused by viruses A, B, C, D and E. In many cases, symptoms only appear when there is already significant damage to the organ, making prevention and early diagnosis even more important.

According to Cleciene Musquim, coordinator of the Nursing course at Faculdade Anhanguera, many people live with the disease without knowing it, especially in cases of hepatitis B and C. “Viral hepatitis can remain asymptomatic for years. Therefore, in addition to prevention, it is essential that people carry out tests when indicated and maintain vaccination in day. Early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of treatment and reduces the risk of complications, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer”, he explains.

Below, the expert highlights six measures that help reduce the risk of infection. Check it out!

1. Keep your vaccinations up to date

Vaccination is one of the most effective forms of prevention against hepatitis A and B, available free of charge through the Unified Health System (SUS). Immunization significantly reduces the risk of infection and contributes to reducing the circulation of viruses in the population.

2. Do not share personal items

Razor blades, nail clippers, toothbrushes and other objects that may come into contact with blood should never be shared. According to Cleciene Musquim, although many people don’t realize it, small injuries are enough to enable transmission viruses, mainly hepatitis B and C.

3. Require sterile or disposable materials

Procedures such as piercings, tattoos, manicures, pedicures and dental care must only be carried out in places that strictly follow biosafety standards. In the case of nail care, an excellent prevention alternative is to take your own kit of pliers, spatula and scissors from home, ensuring that no one else has used them.

“It is important to observe whether the materials are disposable or undergo adequate sterilization processes. This care reduces the risk of transmission not only of hepatitis viral, but also other infections”, advises Cleciene Musquim.

4. Use a condom during sexual intercourse

Condom use remains one of the main ways to prevent hepatitis B and reduces the risk of transmission of other sexually transmitted infections. In addition to individual protection, this practice helps to interrupt the virus transmission chain.

5. Get tested when there are risk factors

People who received a blood transfusion before the expansion of screening tests, healthcare professionals, individuals with multiple sexual partners or those who share sharps should talk to a healthcare professional about undergoing testing.

Even without showing symptoms, a person can be infected with the hepatitis C virus. According to the Ministry of Health, around 80% of cases are asymptomatic, reinforcing the importance of testing for early diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

“Waiting for clinical signs to appear can delay diagnosis. In many cases, the infection is discovered during routine examinations or through testing campaigns. The sooner the disease is identified, the greater the possibilities of treatment and prevention of complications”, says Cleciene Musquim.

6. Adopt hygiene measures to prevent hepatitis A

Unlike types B and C, the hepatitis A It is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, through contact with contaminated water or food. Therefore, in addition to childhood vaccination, hygiene and sanitation care are crucial, especially in situations of vulnerability or outbreaks.

“Washing your hands carefully with soap and water after using the bathroom and before preparing or consuming food is essential. It is also essential to consume only treated, filtered or boiled water, in addition to thoroughly cleaning fruits and vegetables under running water and, if possible, leaving them in a chlorinated solution before consumption, especially if they are eaten raw”, highlights Cleciene Musquim.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear

Although some types of hepatitis can cause symptoms such as tiredness, fever, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine and yellowish skin or eyes, the absence of these signs does not mean that the person is free from the disease. “Prevention depends on a set of attitudes that involve vaccination, safe practices, access to health services and public awareness. The greater the knowledge about the forms of transmission, the greater the chances of reducing new cases and protecting liver health”, explains Cleciene Musquim.

Even in the absence of symptoms, seeking health services can make all the difference in identifying the disease early. “Don’t wait for symptoms, look for the nearest SUS health unit to carry out an assessment and perform routine rapid tests. Early diagnosis is free, safe and saves lives”, he highlights.

In addition to forms of prevention, the specialist highlights that hepatitis C has high cure rates when identified early. “It is important to highlight that up to 95% of hepatitis C cases can be cured. The SUS provides free modern treatments with tablets called direct-acting antivirals (DAA), taken for 12 to 24 weeks. Therefore, discovering the disease early is the first step to getting rid of the virus”, he concludes.

By Priscila Dezidério