Vaccination Against Hepatitis B, C A Must For Pregnant Women To Prevent Transmission

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Aug, 2024) Vaccination against Hepatitis B and C is crucial, especially for pregnant women, as these diseases can be transmitted to children during childbirth.

This was highlighted by Professor of Medicine at King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore Dr. Israrul Haq Toor during a special lecture to medical students on Wednesday.

He emphasised the importance of vaccination to protect both mothers and their children from hepatitis. He noted that the treatment for Hepatitis C is now more successful with oral medications rather than injections, which have negligible side effects. He urged citizens to avoid sleeping pills and cough syrups if they have liver issues to prevent further complications.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A, he explained, include loss of appetite, irritability, fatigue, yellowing of the eyes and skin, and restlessness. Dr. Toor revealed that Hepatitis B and C are rapidly spreading in society due to carelessness, lack of knowledge, and neglect of preventive measures.

The rising mortality rate from hepatitis is alarming, and many people avoid getting blood tests due to stigma, leading to late diagnosis and treatment challenges.

For effective hepatitis prevention, he called on doctors and field staff to actively identify patients in the community and encourage voluntary blood testing for Hepatitis C. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to controlling the spread of the disease, he said.

He stressed that hepatitis is a curable disease with proper care and treatment. To address its causes, he advocated for the strict avoidance of reusing disposable syringes and ensuring that patients receive screened blood. He also highlighted the importance of cleanliness in surgical, dental, and barber tools.

He appealed to citizens to follow hygiene rules, use boiled water, and avoid consuming spoiled fruits and vegetables to control the disease. Dr. Toor urged non-governmental organizations and volunteers in the health sector to join government efforts in this critical public health campaign.