Hepatitis B and C: Risks, Symptoms, Treatment, and the Importance of Health Insurance

Hepatitis is a dangerous viral infection. As per the latest WHO estimates, it affects over 50 million people in India. The figure extends to 354 million people globally; many people do not have access to testing or treatment facilities. Nearly 4.5 million people can be saved from premature death with timely diagnostic tests, awareness campaigns, and hepatitis treatment with vaccinations and antivirals. Given its prevalence and potential to turn fatal, health insurance for hepatitis B and C has been made mandatory in middle- and high-income countries.

Understanding Hepatitis B and C

There are five strains of the hepatitis virus: A, B, C, D, and E. All affect the liver, but there’s variance in transmission, severity, and prevention. Hepatitis A and E spread primarily through contaminated water. However, hepatitis D can only spread from a person already infected by hepatitis B. HBV and HCV are potentially chronic. The most severe strains require immediate intervention. 

Hepatitis B: The most common mode of transmission for HBV is through body fluids like blood, saliva, and semen. Infected mothers, especially if they have a high viral load, can also pass it on to their children during childbirth.

Hepatitis C: HCV transmissions usually occur through blood-to-blood contact. Therefore, sharing needles, razors, scissors, toothbrushes, and blood transfusions with unscreened blood products must be avoided.

Risk Factors for HBV and HCV 

The risk factors are largely similar for both. Although certain means of transmission have more prevalence in HBV than in HCV, and vice versa. 

Hepatitis B risk factors: 

• Children of infected mothers
• Residing with infected members
• Sexual partners of the infected person
• Injection drug users
• Homosexual men
• People with multiple sexual partners
• Travellers to HBV-endemic regions

Hepatitis C risk factors:

• Injection drug users
• Receivers of donated blood
• Haemodialysis patients
• Healthcare workers
• People with body tattoos or piercings from unregulated places
• People with clotting factor disorders
• Prisoners, due to high-risk sexual behaviour and drug use
• Infants born to infected mothers

Symptoms of Hepatitis B & C 

Hepatitis B and C symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Also, they can often be asymptomatic in the early stages. The hepatitis symptoms of both acute HBV and HCV infections are quite similar and typically appear anytime between 30 days and 180 days after exposure to HBV and from two weeks to six months after exposure to HCV. Common hepatitis symptoms include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Clay-coloured stools
• Joint pain
• Jaundice 

Chronic infections of both HBV and HCV can also be asymptomatic, even for years. However, when hepatitis symptoms finally appear, they are often attributed to liver damage. About 40% of HCV-infected people are unaware that they are infected. It is likely to progress to chronic conditions — HCV even more so than HBV.

Chronic hepatitis B symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Right upper quadrant abdominal pain
• Joint pain
• Muscle aches
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Jaundice 

Chronic hepatitis C symptoms are almost identical, such as:

• Persistent fatigue
• Right upper quadrant abdominal pain
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Jaundice
• Swelling in the legs and abdomen
• Spider-like blood vessels on the skin
• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Encephalopathy (it manifests as confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech)

Both HBV and HCV can lead to serious liver complications, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer, if not properly managed. The onset of these complications may vary between the two viruses.

Treatment of Hepatitis B & C

Hepatitis B: HBV vaccines are the best bet against infection if taken within 24 hours of exposure. Further doses are administered for the next six months for immunity against the virus. For acute hepatitis B, treatment recommendations are mostly lifestyle-based, like adequate rest, a balanced diet, and the intake of fluids. However, for chronic HBV, doctors administer antivirals and immune-modulating drugs. These drugs are often prescribed for a duration extending to a year or more. 

Hepatitis C: There are no vaccines for hepatitis C, so your best options are the newer, direct-acting antivirals and preventative measures. In some cases, HCV may not require treatment if the immune system fights it off on its own, which could last up to three months. 

Health insurance for Hepatitis B & C

Insurance for hepatitis diagnostics can cover the initial tests. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C treatments can be costly. The antiviral injections cost up to ₹4,000 per vial, apart from hospitalisation, consultations, and other expenses. Health insurance for hepatitis B and C can significantly alleviate these financial burdens by covering pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses and annual health check-ups for early detection. However, be careful when buying health insurance, as different plans have limitations or exclusions for hepatitis-related treatments. 

Insurance can be processed through cashless claims, where the insurer settles bills directly with the hospital. Reimbursement claims, where the policyholder initially pays and is reimbursed later, are also preferred. 

Key Takeaways

Early detection, comprehensive treatment, and appropriate health insurance for hepatitis B and C are essential for managing HBV and HCV. Proactive healthcare planning, consultations, preventive measures, and support systems can significantly enhance health outcomes and financial stability. Insurance for hepatitis diagnostics is always there to assist you. However, prevention is always better than hepatitis treatment.

Consider platforms like PhonePe for a seamless and hassle-free insurance purchase experience.