Here at Sinaya Cup take health very seriously.
In fact, apart from providing more efficient and more sustainable period solutions, we have also been committed to raising awareness of the importance of good health. This goes beyond menstrual and reproductive health.
This is why, this World Hepatitis Day, we’d like to raise awareness of this illness.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. This disease can be self-limiting, and it can lead to more serious conditions like fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Apart from hepatitis viruses, other infections, toxic substances like alcohol and certain drugs, as well as autoimmune diseases can also cause this.
Image by CDC/Betty Partin on Wikimedia Commons
What are the different hepatitis viruses?
- Hepatitis A (HAV) – It is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. An uninfected and unvaccinated person is at risk of getting infected with it when they consume food or water contaminated by the feces of an infected individual. It can also be transmitted through certain sexual practices.
- Hepatitis B (HBV) – Caused by hepatitis B virus, it is a life-threatening illness that is currently among the most serious health concerns in the world. People infected with this have a high risk of death caused by liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is spread by contact with blood, semen, or other bodily fluids from any individual infected with the virus, which means that it can be transmitted through sexual contact or transfusion of HBV-contaminated blood and blood products, as well as contaminated injections.
- Hepatitis C (HCV) – This liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus can cause both acute and chronic liver infections that may range from mild ones to serious life-long illnesses. It is bloodborne, so the virus can be spread through contact with infected blood. Viruses can be spread through transfusion of HCV-infected blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and injected drug use. Although uncommon, transmission through sexual contact is also possible.
- Hepatitis D (HDV) – Only those with hepatitis B (HBV) can be infected with this virus. The combination of both viruses can greatly worsen one’s condition. This is why it helps to get hepatitis B vaccination to also avoid hepatitis D.
- Hepatitis E (HEV) – This particular virus is the common cause of hepatitis outbreaks in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries. One can be infected by this virus after ingesting contaminated food and water. Although safe and effective vaccines against HEV have already been developed, they are not widely available.
Image by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
Public Health Image Library on Wikimedia Commons
What should you do?
According to worldhepatitisday.org, there are 300 million people in the world who go on with their lives unaware that they carry this disease. Are you one of the “missing millions”?
The only way to find out, really, is to get tested with the help of a medical professional. Some social hygiene clinics also offer hepatitis B screening, along with STD testing.
Image from Wikimedia Commons
And, of course, we encourage everyone who is sexually active to practice safe sex.
In fact, even in our CUPacity Caravan sessions, we include vital information on sexually transmitted diseases and the importance of practicing same-sex to help attendees make informed decisions as they go on with their lives.
