Viral hepatitis affects 400 million people globally and, given the size of the epidemic, anyone and everyone can be at risk.

• Appropriate treatment of hepatitis B and C can prevent the development of the major life-threatening complications of chronic liver disease: cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• Hepatitis contributes to male infertility majorly
• If you have been infected with hepatitis C, the odds of developing a chronic liver infection is between 55 to 85 percent.

Hepatitis as we all know is the inflammation of the liver and prove to be deadly in the long run if ignored. According to the World Health Organization, there are 400 million people worldwide who are living with Hepatitis B or C. Globally, every year 1.4 million people die from viral hepatitis. There are five viruses that can cause hepatitis – A, B, C, D and E. Out of these, hepatitis A, B & C cause over 90% of the diagnosed cases of the disease. While viral hepatitis can be acute or chronic, hepatitis A and E do not cause chronic illness. Hepatitis B and C are the most common disease viruses and can cause chronic illness.  According to WHO Viral hepatitis affects 400 million people globally and, given the size of the epidemic, anyone and everyone can be at risk.

Hepatitis virus can give you Liver cancer as well.

The main reason for the increase in liver cancer is the number of people who have hepatitis B and hepatitis C, two viruses that can infect the liver and lead to cancer. Dr. Vikas Goswami, Sr. Oncologist from Fortis hospital explained that “Hepatitis B is primarily spread through sexual contact and blood transfusion. People in India can get their tattoo from anywhere even on roadsides they use used needles by which chances of blood transfusion are high and thereby increasing the chances of Hepatitis.”

This virus is no lightweight contender; it’s considered to be 50 to 100 times more infectious than the AIDS virus. Dr. Vikas Goswami added “if you have been infected with hepatitis C, the odds of developing a chronic liver infection is between 55 to 85 percent. The more liver cells become irritated and inflamed, the more disorganized they become. Chronic liver infection by both hepatitis B and C inflames the liver and kills liver cells. At this point, liver cancer can develop”

Appropriate treatment of hepatitis B and C can prevent the development of the major life-threatening complications of chronic liver disease: cirrhosis and liver cancer.