In the unprecedented times of the raging pandemic, where norms have to be followed to protect oneself no matter what and yet the affliction does not spare, randomly preying on our dear ones. This has taught us a lesson we have not been able to learn as laymen or teach as healthcare professionals concerning our health and prevention of diseases, communicable or non communicable.

Hepatitis as we understand it now, has been a recognised issue in India at least for the last two decades and although we have done a lot to create awareness for one and all, people have still not understood the magnitude of the problem unless they are diagnosed with the same.

All diseases can be silent and the silent killers that top the list are high blood pressure, Diabetes and cancers. In Gastroentrology (study) of Gastrointestinal diseases) and Hepatology (study of liver diseases) apart from the cancers, our major worry always is Cirrhosis, a condition of liver that is an outcome of repeated or continuing insult by : (ABCDE)

– Alcohol
– Hepatitis B
– Raised Body mass index
– Hepatitis C
– Diabetes,
– Use of over the counter Drugs
– Hepatitis E
(may cause long term liver damage)

Most of these are preventable causes of liver diseases and Hepatology experts and Gastroenterologists around the world are doing their bit to create awareness to stop the pandemic of fatty livers which is one end of the spectrum of liver diseases that lead to permanent liver damage or Cirrhosis.

It is important to recognize the fact that the diagnosis and treatment for Hepatitis should not be delayed so that our livers can be protected long term and also the vaccination for protection against viruses especially Hepatitis B is extremely important.