MUMBAI: Dr Abhijeet Karad, Consultant, Gastroenterology, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, Pune -:India is home to an estimated 30–40 million chronic carriers of Hepatitis B (HBV) and about 6–12 million people living with chronic Hepatitis C (HCV). While expert estimates place HBV prevalence at 3–4% and HCV at 0.4–1%, surveillance data from the National Family Health Survey and NVHCP suggest slightly lower figures:
Hepatitis B (HBsAg): ~0.95%
Hepatitis C (anti-HCV): ~0.32%
This stable prevalence over the last five years indicates that while awareness exists, prevention and treatment efforts haven’t significantly reduced infection rates—making early detection and routine screening more critical than ever.
Unlike many other illnesses, hepatitis often advances silently. Early symptoms such as fatigue, mild fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), right upper abdominal pain, or joint and muscle aches are frequently mistaken for minor health issues. This is especially dangerous because many individuals assume that hepatitis only affects high-risk groups. In reality, Hepatitis B is commonly acquired during early childhood, particularly between the ages of 1 and 4, often due to perinatal transmission or close household contact. On the other hand, Hepatitis C tends to be more prevalent among adults aged 50 and above, likely due to past exposure to unsterile medical equipment or blood transfusions before mandatory screening protocols were in place.
This delayed presentation makes routine screening essential. Just as we routinely monitor blood pressure and blood sugar, hepatitis screening should become a part of preventive healthcare, especially for those in high-risk groups. Regular testing not only helps detect the infection early but also prevents unintentional transmission. Many people unknowingly spread the virus through shared grooming items like razors, unsafe medical practices, unprotected sex, or household contact. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, significantly reducing the risk of complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis diagnosis begins with blood tests to detect the virus (HBsAg, anti-HCV), assess liver enzymes (ALT, AST), and measure viral load. Tools like ultrasound and FibroScan evaluate liver scarring, while liver biopsy is reserved for complex cases. Treatment for Hepatitis B usually involves long-term antivirals like Tenofovir or Entecavir to suppress the virus. Hepatitis C, on the other hand, is often curable with direct-acting antivirals like Sofosbuvir-ledipasvir in 8–12 weeks.
The Hepatitis B vaccine, with over 95% efficacy, remains one of the most powerful tools in our prevention arsenal. It is recommended within 24 hours of birth, for unvaccinated children up to the age of 18, and high-risk groups such as healthcare workers and individuals with chronic illnesses or known exposure to the virus. However, despite these clear guidelines, many adults remain unvaccinated due to limited awareness. Expanding adult immunization efforts could play a crucial role in reducing new infections and transforming the future of hepatitis prevention in India.
Liver health isn’t just about avoiding infection. Factors like alcohol, smoking, obesity, processed foods, and sedentary habits also accelerate liver damage, especially in those already infected. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, avoiding unprescribed supplements, and receiving timely vaccinations against Hepatitis B and C are essential steps in protecting liver function.
Hepatitis can’t wait, and neither should you. Treating fatigue or abdominal pain as “routine” can be dangerous. If you fall into a high-risk category, make screening a priority. With early detection, most liver conditions are treatable or even reversible.
Above all, prevention remains the best cure. Vaccination, timely check-ups, and informed lifestyle choices are our strongest weapons against this silent threat. It’s time we stopped treating liver health as an afterthought and started giving it the urgency it deserves.
