Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital organizes Hepatitis screening camp for senior citizens

Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital (NSSH) had organized a free screening camp for Hepatitis B and C diagnosis for members of its Senior Citizens Club on July 30. A large number of the club members attended the camp, which was held to commemorate World Hepatitis Day which was globally observed on July 28.

The camp was organized to stress on the fact that Hepatitis B and C afflict people across age barriers and economic classes. The camp also provided senior citizens with insightful information and the preventive measures needed to be taken for the two hepatitis variants which have emerged as a huge challenge for the domestic health fraternity.

During the course of the camp which lasted for one day, the senior citizens were informed that Hepatitis B and C are chiefly caused by blood transfusion. The exchange of body fluids during unprotected sexual intercourse also leads to contracting Hepatitis B. Key causative factors for the spread of Hepatitis B and C are exposure to open wounds and infected blood, tattooing, ear-piercing, use of infected needles, razors and syringes. Hepatitis B and C are described as acute in the initial stage, when contracted. If they remain in the body for a period exceeding six months, they become chronic and over a period of time, can lead to cirrhosis of liver and in the end lover cancer, which in a majority of cases is fatal.