How to Support a Loved One Recently Diagnosed with Hepatitis - What You Need to Know

The liver is one of the most important organs of the body responsible for removing harmful chemicals and toxins from the blood and also for converting proteins and sugars into useful substances, storing them and releasing them when required by the body. Hepatitis is a serious disorder that affects the function of the liver.

Scientists have identified 5 unique hepatitis viruses — A, B, C, D and E. These viruses affect millions of people worldwide, causing acute and chronic liver disease. Around 1.5 million people die of liver disease every year.

Here’s what you need to know about it so that you can prevent and help a loved one deal with it:

1.  Wash your hands thoroughly. Frequent hand-washing is the best way to prevent many infections. It spreads in close contact, especially in areas like hospitals, public restrooms etc.

2. Always wash your hands properly after using the toilet and when you come in contact with an infected person’s blood, stools or other body fluid. Ensure you have a sanitizer with you especially if you are travelling and soap and water is not available.

3. Keep your food covered at all times. Wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Keep raw meat and fish away from other food items to prevent cross contamination.

4. Hepatitis A is usually spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated with feces. Avoid unfiltered water and roadside food. If bottled water isn’t available, boil tap water before drinking it.

5. Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease. Ensure there is no stagnant water in and around the house, especially open drains, shallow pools, air cooler water and flower pots.

6. Practice good hygiene. Keep yourself and your environment clean. Carry your own water when travelling.

7. If someone in your family has contracted hepatitis, take them to the hospital immediately. Ask them to rest and ensure they are given boiled water and home cooked meals daily. Effective vaccination is the best way to protect you from hepatitis. Vaccinations are available against hepatitis A and B. Ensure everybody in your family is vaccinated against the disease.

8. Also ensure, you have critical illness insurance for you and your family. A disease like this can make a dent in your savings if you are not properly insured.

Buy a health cover from HDFC Life and plan your and your family’s financial future smartly.

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