Ending Hepatitis Starts with Awareness: Are We Doing Enough?

Hepatitis is a growing public health concern in India, with an estimated 40 million people living with chronic Hepatitis B and up to 12 million affected by Hepatitis C. Despite being preventable and treatable, the disease continues to silently damage lives—often undetected until serious complications arise. Hyderabad, a hub of medical advancement, is not immune to this crisis. Liver specialists across the city are witnessing a steady rise in hepatitis-related cases, many diagnosed late due to lack of awareness or routine screening.

What makes this alarming is that we already have powerful tools—vaccines, early testing, and effective treatments—to stop this disease in its tracks. World Hepatitis Day 2025, with the theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” urges us to tackle the barriers of ignorance, stigma, and inaccessibility, and shift the focus to prevention, education, and early intervention.

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Dr. Srinivasa Reddy G, Consultant, Clinical & Transplant Hepatology, STAR Hospitals, Hyderabad,

throws light on what hepatitis is, why it’s dangerous, and how we can protect ourselves and others.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, often caused by viruses. But it can also happen due to alcohol, certain medicines, or even an overactive immune system. When left untreated, it can damage the liver and lead to serious problems like liver failure or liver cancer.

Causes of Hepatitis:

1. Viral Hepatitis

There are five main types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E.

• Hepatitis A and E spread through contaminated food or water.

• Hepatitis B and C spread through blood and body fluids.

• Hepatitis D affects people who already have hepatitis B.

2. Alcoholic Hepatitis

Results from excessive alcohol intake over time.

Alcohol damages liver cells, causing inflammation, scarring (cirrhosis), and eventually liver failure.

Early symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain.

3. Non-Alcoholic Hepatitis (NASH)

Occurs in people who don’t consume alcohol but have fat buildup in the liver.

Linked to obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid issues.

Can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis.

4. Autoimmune Hepatitis

A rare condition where the immune system attacks liver cells, mistaking them as threats.

Mostly affects women and can occur at any age.

Lifelong treatment with immunosuppressants is often needed.

5. Drug-Induced Hepatitis

Certain medications and herbal supplements can cause toxic liver inflammation.

Common culprits: high doses of paracetamol, antibiotics, TB medications, and some herbal remedies.

Discontinuation and medical management usually help.

Common Symptoms of Hepatitis

Some people may not show any signs at first, especially in the early or chronic stages. But common symptoms include:

• Feeling tired all the time

• Loss of appetite and nausea

• Joint pain

• Dark urine and pale stools

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

• Stomach pain

In some cases, hepatitis becomes chronic and may silently damage the liver over years.

Why Is This Day So Important?

Every year, over 1 million people die from hepatitis, and sadly, this number is rising. What makes it worse is that we already have:

• Fast and reliable tests

• Vaccines for hepatitis A and B

• Affordable treatments for hepatitis B and C

But many people don’t know enough about the disease, believe in myths, or are afraid of the stigma. That’s why World Hepatitis Day is vital; it helps people learn the facts, get tested, and seek timely treatment.

Who is at Risk?

You may be at higher risk of getting viral hepatitis if you:

• Share needles or personal items like razors

• Have unprotected sex or multiple partners

• Work in hospitals or clinics

• Travel to areas with poor sanitation

• Get tattoos or piercings in unclean settings

• Have long-term kidney dialysis

Higher risk of getting Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) if you:

• Are overweight

• Have diabetes

• Have dyslipidemia

Higher risk of getting Autoimmune Hepatitis (AiH):

• Females

• History of miscarriages or abortions

• Family history of autoimmune diseases

Higher risk of getting Drug-Induced Hepatitis (DiLi):

• Taking ayurvedic medication

• Using Liv 52

• Without methotrexate

• Amiodarone

• Paracetamol

• Anabolic steroids

• Painkillers

How Can You Prevent Hepatitis?

Here’s how you can protect yourself and others:

• Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B

• Practice safe sex

• Avoid sharing needles or personal hygiene items

• Wash hands regularly, especially before eating

• Drink clean or bottled water when travelling

• Be careful when getting tattoos or piercings

• Stop alcohol

• Weight reduction

• Strict glycemic control

• Females with abnormal liver functions need to check the autoimmune profile

• Do not take any ayurvedic/homeopathic/LIV52 medication without consulting your hepatologist

At STAR Hospitals, we offer comprehensive and advanced care for all forms of hepatitis. Our approach goes beyond just diagnosis—we provide cutting-edge antiviral therapies, non-invasive liver assessments, de-addiction and long-term monitoring plans tailored to each patient’s condition. For complex cases, including advanced liver damage or cirrhosis, our multidisciplinary liver care team ensures timely intervention, including liver transplant evaluation and support.

With access to the latest diagnostic tools, high-end imaging, and a robust infection control system, STAR Hospitals is committed to early detection, precise treatment, and holistic recovery—ensuring every patient receives the best chance at a hepatitis-free life.

Hepatitis is preventable, and with the right care, it can be treated. But the biggest danger is not knowing. On this World Hepatitis Day, let’s spread awareness, fight misinformation, and help everyone get access to the care they need.

If you or someone you love is at risk or showing symptoms, don’t wait. Consult a liver specialist. Testing early and starting treatment can make all the difference. Together, we can build a hepatitis-free future.