As monsoon approaches, adhering to food and water hygiene a must to keep the threat of Hepatitis A & E at bay, say doctors
Author(s): City Air NewsPatiala: The rise of Hepatitis A and E infections during the monsoon season has been observed by doctors at Columbia Asia Hospital, Patiala Citizens eagerly await the onset of the rainy season to get a respite from...
Patiala: The rise of Hepatitis A and E infections during the monsoon season has been observed by doctors at Columbia Asia Hospital, Patiala Citizens eagerly await the onset of the rainy season to get a respite from the oppressive heat. However, with climate change, water contamination and water stagnation, Hepatitis A and E infections are triggered.
“We have recently seen a spurt in the number of cases of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E during monsoon. These two viruses are transmitted through contaminated water and food. Unfortunately, there is very little awareness among people regarding monsoon hygiene. Remember, being a little careful during the monsoon season can help you enjoy it to the fullest,” shares Dr G.S. Sidhu, Gastroenterologist at Columbia Asia Hospital, Patiala.
In urban and semi-urban areas, a number of water pipelines leak, leading to contamination of drinking water. The humidity in the weather promotes viral multiplication and high wind velocity allows viruses to shift from one sector to another.
“Dehydration leads to the urge of drinking more water, which often compels people to use unsafe sources. Hepatitis A virus and Hepatitis E virus can enter the alimentary canal after drinking contaminated water. This season may also increases craving for street food such as bhajiya, panipuri, chat, etc. The unhygienic environment that these are prepared in further spread the disease. Added to that is the fact that a lot of street food is eaten raw. Poor sanitary conditions in the city suburbs are something that needs to be given immediate attention,” adds Dr G.S. Sidhu, Gastroenterologist at Columbia Asia Hospital, Patiala.
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is both enteric ally transmitted, often resulting in acute viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A is highly contagious in nature. The virus enters through the mouth after someone holds, eats or drinks anything contaminated with HAV. On the other hand, HEV is mostly spread by focally contaminated water within endemic areas.
The most common symptom of Hepatitis A and E infection is jaundice, other less specific ones being loss of appetite, weakness, fever, diarrhea and nausea. Although considered less fatal than its counterparts, i.e. Hepatitis B and C, the word of caution here is that a person suffering from HAV or HEV infection may not show clear symptoms, even up to a week.
Columbia Asia Hospital is working closely with stakeholders to spread awareness and improve the levels of socio-economic and personal hygiene in preventing Hepatitis A and E. Most obviously, one can stay infection free by eating and drinking the most healthy foods and drinks, and keeping the surroundings clean.
“During rainy weather, the severity of the symptoms is slightly higher in children. This is the season when the virus can actually thrive. Also, many of these symptoms resemble each other. The best way to avoid gastrointestinal diseases is to steer clear of food and water outside the house, and ensure that the water you drink is clean and filtered. Although a vaccination is available for hep-A, prevention is always better than cure,” Dr G.S. Sidhu, Gastroenterologist at Columbia Asia Hospital, Patiala.
Here are some more dos and don’ts from experts to prevent Hepatitis A and E during the blissful monsoon:
· Wash hands for 30 seconds after you shake hands with anyone
· Carry a sanitizer and use it before eating meals
· Only drink RO-purified or boiled water
· Avoid uncovered street food and pre-cut fruits or vegetable
· Do not share spoons and forks
· Avoid curd and curd-based foods, as these are carriers