Hepatitis is quietly shaping up to be one of Hong Kong’s pressing health issues, affecting many across the city. This viral disease can cause liver inflammation and can also lead to severe, life-threatening complications if left untreated. With types like hepatitis A, B, C, and E, each form carries distinct risks and spreads in different ways, making awareness essential. Statistics show that about 8-10% of the Hong Kong populationare chronic carriers of the hepatitis B virus. Chronic hepatitis B is particularly dangerous, contributing to over 70% of liver cancer cases in the region.
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What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver tissue, which typically results from a viral infection. This inflammation can damage liver cells and impair liver function, which is crucial in metabolism, detoxification, and immunity. When hepatitis leads to chronic liver inflammation, it can cause scarring (fibrosis) and eventually cirrhosis, where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, severely compromising liver function. In severe cases, hepatitis may lead to liver failure or liver cancer.
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Hepatitis Type
Hepatitis viruses are classified into several types, with hepatitis A, B, C, and E being the most common in Hong Kong. Hepatitis D and hepatitis G are less familiar. Each type of hepatitis virus has different modes of transmission and impacts on health. While hepatitis A and E are generally acute and do not lead to chronic disease, hepatitis B and C are more likely to become chronic, especially if not detected and managed early.
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Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E
Hepatitis A and hepatitis E share similar modes of transmission, primarily spreading through the consumption of contaminated water or food, particularly shellfish. In Hong Kong, hepatitis A and E are less common than hepatitis B, but cases are still reported annually. In 2022, Hong Kong recorded 22 cases of hepatitis A and 57 cases of hepatitis E , a reminder that attention to this virus is still needed.
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Both hepatitis A and E typically present as acute infections, causing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Still, they do not lead to chronic liver disease. Most individuals recover fully without special treatment, though those with weakened immune systems or individuals who have had organ transplants might experience more severe effects. While hospitalization is not generally required, those infected are advised to monitor their symptoms and avoid any substances that could strain the liver, such as alcohol.
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Prevention of Hepatitis A and E
Reducing the risk of hepatitis A and E is mainly about good hygiene and food safety. Here are some effective prevention methods:
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●Thoroughly Cooked Food: Always ensure food, especially seafood, is cooked thoroughly to eliminate potential pathogens.
●Avoid Street Food from Unlicensed Vendors: Stick to reputable food establishments and avoid eating from illegal food vendors or hawkers, where food safety standards may be lower.
●Regular Hand Washing: Washing hands with soap and water before handling food or after using the restroom is essential in preventing viral transmission.
● Hepatitis A injection : Hepatitis A vaccination is effective to prevent HBV infection. Blue Care provides Hepatitis A vaccination services. Click here-to contact Blue Care.
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For individuals at higher risk—such as those with chronic liver disease, healthcare workers, food handlers, or people who travel to regions where hepatitis A is prevalent (Indian subcontinent, Africa, Central and South America) ,—vaccination is recommended. Those who use injected medications or illicit drugs or are men who have sex with men or multiple sexual partners should also consider the hepatitis B vaccine. Vaccination is an effective way to protect against hepatitis A and B, but no vaccine is available for hepatitis C and E, making preventive hygiene measures especially important.
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Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Hepatitis B and C are primarily spread through blood and bodily fluids, making them more challenging to prevent than hepatitis A and E.
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●Hepatitis B Transmission: Hepatitis B can spread through sexual contact, sharing injection instruments, and from an infected mother to her child during delivery. Additional routes include tattooing, ear piercing, and acupuncture if proper sterilization is not observed. Around 8-10%are chronic carriers of hepatitis B, putting them at a higher risk for developing cirrhosis or liver cancer. Chronic hepatitis B is also commonly asymptomatic, meaning carriers may unknowingly spread the virus to others.
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●Hepatitis C Transmission: Hepatitis C is transmitted mainly through blood, such as transfusions or shared needles, and less commonly through sexual contact. In Hong Kong, about 0.5% of the population are chronic carriers of hepatitis C . Unlike hepatitis B, hepatitis C does not have a vaccine, making prevention efforts critical. Both hepatitis B and C can lead to long-term liver damage, and symptoms are often mild or non-existent in the early stages.
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Blood test is required to diagnose hepatitis B
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The test generally consists of blood tests on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs)
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Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
- People with a positive HBsAg result are currently infected with HBV and should seek medical consultation as soon as possible.
- If HBsAg result is positive for more than 6 months after HBV infection, this means CHB has developed.
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Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs)
- A positive anti-HBs result means that the person has adequate hepatitis B antibodies for protection against HBV infection.
- Protective antibodies can be acquired after hepatitis B vaccination or recovery from past HBV infection.
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Blue Care provides regular check-up and vaccination services. Click here-to know more credit card check up plan details.
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What Should You Do if You Have Viral Hepatitis?
If you have been diagnosed with viral hepatitis, specific lifestyle changes can help manage the condition and support liver health:
●Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol accelerates liver damage, especially for patients who have hepatitis. Abstaining from alcohol allows the liver to focus on healing and limits additional stress on the organ.
●Maintain a Balanced Diet: Consuming a well-rounded diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, supports immune function and overall liver health. A diet low in fats and sugars is particularly beneficial.
●Quit Smoking: Smoking introduces harmful toxins to the body, which the liver must filter. By quitting, you reduce the liver’s workload and give it a better chance to recover and function effectively.
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Staying One Step Ahead of Hepatitis
Hepatitis remains a significant health concern in Hong Kong, with various types posing risks to the community. Understanding the different types of hepatitis, how they spread, and the best prevention strategies is essential to protecting your health. Hepatitis A and E are mainly preventable through good hygiene and mindful food choices, while hepatitis B and C require caution around exposure to blood and bodily fluids. By practicing safe habits and getting vaccinated when appropriate, you can take steps to protect both yourself and those around you from hepatitis.
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Remarks:
1. Source : Men's Health Line - Viral Hepatitis. (2024). Centre for Health Protection. https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/80064.html
2. Source : Understanding Hepatitis. (2023). Red Cross. https://www.redcross.org.hk/sites/redcross/files/media/hcs_files/HE%20202307%20%E8%AA%8D%E8%AD%98%E8%82%9D%E7%82%8E%20%20Understanding%20Hepatitis%20ENG.pdf
3. Source : Surveillance of Viral Hepatitis in Hong Kong. (2023). Centre for Health Protection. https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/surveillance_of_viral_hepatitis_in_hk_2022_full_report.pdf
4. Source : Hepatitis (2022). NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hepatitis/
5. Source : Hepatitis A and E Treatment. (2024). John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hepatitis/hepatitis-a/hepatitis-a-and-e-treatment
