Experts call for early screening, vaccination against hepatitis infections

Experts called for more awareness, early screening and vaccination to prevent hepatitis infections during a webinar organized as part of The Hindu Wellness Series. A webinar titled ‘Hepatitis: Let’s Break It – Prevention, Early Detection, Treatment’, held on Monday, was presented by Kauvery Hospital on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day on July 28.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by viruses A, B, C, D and EA Shafique, interventional gastroenterologist and hepatologist, Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli, explained how each infection is transmitted and said that while hepatitis A and E are less serious and have a lower risk of becoming chronic, hepatitis B and C are dangerous and can even lead to liver cancer.

Dr. Shafique explained the risk factors and modes of transmission and called for universal screening, i.e. screening all adults over 18, especially pregnant women and people with certain co-morbidities.

Both hepatitis B and C are silent infections in the early stages, but can lead to chronic infections. Screening helps identify liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer, he added.

Swati Raju, Senior Consultant, Medical Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplant Hepatology, Kauvery Hospital, Chennai – Vadapalani, discussed the various symptoms, warning signs and complications of hepatitis infections.

Dr. Swati explained that when a hepatitis infection affects the liver, it causes inflammation that, when it gets worse, can lead to permanent damage that can remain silent for years. Scarring, or fibrosis, gradually enlarges and can progress to cirrhosis, a condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue.

She said hepatitis B may require lifelong treatment in some cases, while hepatitis C can generally be treated with limited treatment. Both hepatitis B and C require long-term surveillance; Even when the virus is inactive, patients may still face the risk of developing tumors, so regular annual check-ups are necessary, she added.

UVU Vamsidhar Reddy, Clinical Head, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Kauvery Hospital, Chennai – Radial Road and Tirunelveli, highlighted the role of hepatitis A and B vaccines and said vaccination plays an important role in preventing these infections. He added that a hepatitis C vaccine is not currently available, although there are effective antiviral treatments for the condition.

Dr. Vamsidhar also emphasized the importance of lifestyle modifications in reducing the progression of liver disease.

The session was moderated by Meenakshy S., Chief Correspondent of The Hindu. Click here watch the webinar. (

Published – 27 Jul 2026 20:58 IST