Hepatitis In India: How To Eliminate The Risk Of The Rapidly Growing Virus

India is seeing a surge of hepatitis A cases along with the cases of coronavirus, and the situation remains worse in Kerala. It becomes incumbent to look for ways to tackle the rising threat.

The country was already dealing with a surge of COVID-19 cases, and now it is dealing with the imminent possibility of a rise in cases of another virus. That makes the situation even more vulnerable for

India.

India has logged 7264 COVID-19 cases by far and the number is only increasing but now the situation has been escalated by the surge in cases of a new virus, and that is Hepatitis.

The situation, just like it is seen in the situation of COVID, remains the same when it comes to the hepatitis cases; the state of Kerala leads.

The state of Kerala has been reporting various outbreaks of hepatitis cases from different regions and areas. The situation is being handled by the authorities. Several Panchayats of Kerala recently reported a sudden outbreak, making the situation even more concerning.

With the onset of Monsoon, the situation can become even more vulnerable, and hence, people are expected to remain extra vigilant. But the question that looms over is – HOW?

9 WAYS TO ELIMINATE THE RISK OF HEPATITIS A

The article underlines the easy-to-follow but large in impact actions that can help you crack the code of the virus and eliminate the risk of HEPATITIS infection. To prevent Hepatitis A, vaccination should be a priority, then other practices like practising good hygiene, and being cautious with food and water, specifically when travelling, are required. Thorough handwashing, especially after using the restroom, is crucial. Additionally, it is advised to ensure that food is well-cooked and water is purified, as it can effectively reduce the risk of infection.

Vaccination

If you want to go for the most effective way to prevent Hepatitis A, then it’s the vaccine that is the answer. The hepatitis A vaccine is generally given in two shots, and it’s recommended for children over 12 months as part of routine vaccinations. Individuals who are more prone to the risk, such as those who visit the palaces with high prevalence or those with serious health conditions, should also consider vaccination on the advice of the doctor.

Handwashing

It is very important to keep your hands clean. One must frequently and thoroughly wash hands with soap and water, as it is one of the essential tips to tackle the virus. More specifically, the people are asked to wash their hands after using the restroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.

Opting for Safe Food and Water Practices

The people are asked to avoid raw or undercooked shellfish, which can be the case in southern India, where diets are often of sea-based foods. Shellfish, specifically the ones that are caught from the potentially contaminated waters, should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

Be cautious with fruits and vegetables

It is essential to maintain a healthy diet when it comes to eating. The people are requested to peel the fruits by themselves, and not choose to eat vegetables or fruits that may have been washed in contaminated water, as it can increase the risk.

Boil or purify water

If you don’t have water purifiers at home and are unsure about how safe the water in the water supply is, then you must boil the water before drinking it for at least one minute or use bottled water that is purified.

Minimise taking food from street vendors

It is important to be very cautious when it comes to street food, as it may not always be prepared with care and hygiene. There’s a chance that they may overcook certain safety standards, as the ones that are followed in established restaurants.

Ensure food is cooked thoroughly . One must make sure that the food is hot to the touch, and one should try to eat the food as soon as it is cooked, as it will minimise the potential risk of the virus.

Safe Sexual Practices

Safe sexual practices are quintessential in combating the rise in the virus infection. The people are asked to remain cautious during such a time, as unsafe sexual practices can lead to an increase in the potential risk of the virus; one must avoid sexual activity if infected.

Be aware of the high-risk situations

People who travel to areas with a poor level of sanitation or areas where there’s an increased exposure to contaminated water can all lead to a potential risk of infection. The people are advised not to come in contact with infected individuals, as all of these are situations where preventative measures are crucial.

Seek Doctors advice

Seek medical help if you’re unsure about your risk or the need for vaccination. It is advised to consult with a healthcare professional to help you with better treatment.

Safe disposal of sewage

One of the most important tips is the proper sewage disposal within areas where there’s an outbreak of the virus and beyond, as it helps prevent contamination of water sources.

Rigorous cleaning of spills

Take care of the cleanliness, and people should be vigilant in cleaning up any blood spills with a diluted bleach solution to eliminate the spread of the virus and the risk of infection.

The authorities are on their toes to help tackle the spread of the virus and prevent the surge in cases. The people are advised to follow all the precautions and not to do anything that increases the scope of infection.