Thread by @AVONHMO

For a disease affecting over 20 million Nigerians, there are quite a number of myths about Hepatitis. Read on and be better informed.

#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldHepatitisDay2020

Myth 1: Hepatitis is hepatitis.

Fact: Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E are different viruses with different modes of transmission and clinical manifestations.
#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldHepatitisDay2020

While Hepatitis A and E are transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food, Hepatitis B & C are transmitted by blood transfusion, unprotected sex, tattoos or sharing needles/razors.

Hepatitis D occurs only in patients with Hepatitis B.
#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldHepatitisDay2020

Myth 2: All patients with hepatitis have jaundice.

Fact: Absence of jaundice does not rule out acute hepatitis viral infection, which can present sometimes only with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, poor appetite, and lethargy.
#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldHepatitisDay2020

Myth 3: Overcoming one type of hepatitis leads to immunity from others

Fact: Patients with Hepatitis A get lifelong protection against hepatitis A only. One is still at risk of infection with other forms of hepatitis like B, C & E.
#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldHepatitisDay2020

Myth 4: Hepatitis virus cannot survive outside the body.

Fact: Hepatitis B virus is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV & can survive in dried blood for up to 7 days. Hepatitis C virus can survive on surfaces for up to 16 hours.
#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldHepatitisDay2020

Myth 5: Vaccines are available to treat all types of Hepatitis virus.

Fact: Vaccines are available only against Hepatitis A and B,

#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldHepatitisDay2020

Bottom line:

Hepatitis is not a joke. In fact, it is deadlier than HIV and may not show symptoms for years if not tested which in turn causes extensive damage.

Get tested.
#AvonsPracticalTips #WorldHepatitisDay2020