Regular screening to prevent hepatitis advised

LAHORE:Hepatitis B and C are more dangerous in a way that they cause chronic hepatitis and symptoms are not evident until the disease is advanced and liver is damaged.

The people should get screened for Hepatitis B and C as nine out of 10 people living with hepatitis don’t know they have the disease, said Dr Israr-ul-Haq Toor, Professor of Medicine and renowned Gastroenterologist at Mayo Hospital Lahore, while delivering a lecture here on Monday.

He said the symptoms in Hepatitis A and E like jaundice, vomiting, body aches and fever. It settles in four to six weeks with supportive medicines. In rare cases it gets complicated and patients are admitted in ICU. Hepatitis A and E spread by polluted water. On the other hand, Hepatitis B and C spread by blood and related products, he said. Prof Israr Toor highlighted that people should avoid unnecessary injections and drips, avoid tattoos, get dental and surgical procedures only from authentic medical facilities with proper sterilisation of instruments, ask barbers to use new blade and in case of blood transfusion make sure it is screened properly. He urged citizens to take proactive measures for their health, including regular screening and vaccination.