Hepatitis can’t wait - Wellness Wednesday - Ortho Clinical Diagnostics

One of the WHO’s seven official public health days, World Hepatitis Day was created to raise awareness of the need for a bigger global response, to encourage testing and to highlight the treatment available.

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammatory liver condition that is often caused by a viral infection, though there are other potential causes. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that can be a result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol.

There are five types of viral hepatitis – A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A is an acute, short-term illness, and hepatitis B, C, and D usually become chronic. Hepatitis E is generally acute – and can be particularly critical for pregnant women. Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis and whether the infection is acute or chronic.

Helping to prevent hepatitis

Of course, prevention is better than cure, and there are ways to lower the risk of contracting hepatitis:

Practicing good hygiene can help avoid getting hepatitis A and E.
Hepatitis B, C and D can be caught through contaminated blood, so can be avoided by not sharing drug needles, razors, or toothbrushes.
Hepatitis B and C can be caught through sexual intercourse, so practicing safe sex is vital.
Vaccines are also important in preventing hepatitis.

Diagnosis and treatment saves lives

The first step for people who may be at risk is to get a diagnosis. Only then will they get the treatment they desperately need. Without a diagnosis, more people will continue to suffer needlessly, and more people will die.

World Hepatitis Day is a good time to act.

References

Hep can’t wait – World Hepatitis Alliance, accessed on 28 May 2021, www.worldhepatitisday.org
World Hepatitis Day – World Health Organization, accessed on 28 May 2021, www.who.int/campaigns/world-hepatitis-day
Hepatitis – healthline, accessed on 28 May 2021, www.healthline.com/health/hepatitis
What’s to know about viral hepatitis? – Medical News Today, accessed on 28 May 2021, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145869#hepatitis-b

Introducing Wellness Wednesdays

Life can move at quite a pace. And sometimes we can become so focused on what’s urgent that we overlook what’s really important.

Nothing matters more than our physical and mental health. In today’s demanding world taking proper care of ourselves enables us to fulfil our potential, pursue our passions, and be there for our families, friends, and colleagues.

As a proudly purpose-led organisation we are committed to doing the right thing, from our comprehensive and diverse sustainability programme to our engagement with the communities in which we operate.

So today we are delighted to announce the launch of Wellness Wednesdays. Each day at Ortho we commit our collective energies to enhancing and protecting the lives of others. We now aim to bring this thinking, and its benefits, closer to home, and promote a greater focus on self-care for all of our colleagues.

Each week we will take a fresh and invigorating perspective on how we can better look after ourselves, from diet and exercise to relaxation and the management of stress. Our hope is to provide clear, simple and practical steps towards a healthier body and mind.

We hope that you enjoy the features we bring you, and we invite your thoughts and suggestions on topics that you would like us to cover.

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