Latest news with #VikramVora
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Liver specialist explains how hepatitis affects women; tips and tests every woman should know for early detection
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has defined hepatitis as an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and non-infectious agents, leading to a range of health problems, including severe liver damage and cancer, some of which can be fatal. There are 5 main strains of the hepatitis virus, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. Many women are unaware of how Hepatitis B spreads—via blood, unsafe sex, or from mother to child—often mistaking it for a lifestyle-related or liver-specific issue alone. (Shutterstock) Also Read | Gastroenterologist lists 8 groups of people who are at higher risk; shares when to get tested WHO data says that types B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people, and an estimated 1.3 million deaths per year. According to the World Hepatitis Alliance, globally, women face more challenges in accessing quality health services due to sociocultural and economic factors and discrimination. Therefore, it becomes necessary to educate them about this disease. Hepatitis and the problems faced by women In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Jignesh Patel, gastroenterologist and liver specialist, HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad, stressed that hepatitis B remains a serious yet preventable public health issue in India. While women form the backbone of families and communities, their awareness and protection against Hepatitis B often remain inadequate. The gap is not just in healthcare access, but in education, screening, and social perception. Without targeted screening, many individuals - especially women - do not realise that they are infected until the disease has progressed and caused serious liver damage. (Freepik) According to Dr Vikram Vora, medical director, International SOS (India), hepatitis infections, especially hepatitis B and C, can remain asymptomatic for years. He stressed, 'Without targeted screening, many individuals - especially women juggling multiple roles, who are unable to focus on their own health and wellbeing - do not realise that they are infected until the disease has progressed and caused serious liver damage, including fibrosis, cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma.' 'This culturally ingrained self-neglect means symptoms, when they appear, may be brushed aside or misattributed to stress or hormonal changes. In working women, this can be even more pronounced due to the complex interplay of occupational, social, and biological factors,' he added. What stops early detection in women 1. Lack of Awareness 'Many women are unaware of how Hepatitis B spreads—via blood, unsafe sex, or from mother to child. It is often mistaken for a lifestyle-related or liver-specific issue alone,' Dr Patel explained. 'Working women often operate under significant time pressure, regardless of whether they work in formal or informal sectors. Between managing household responsibilities and professional demands, preventive health checkups end up being deprioritised. Although corporate wellness programs have started to focus on non-communicable diseases (like diabetes and hypertension), rarely do they include hepatitis screening,' Dr Vora added. 2. Inadequate Screening Per Dr Patel, a simple blood test, S. HBsAg, is enough to screen for Hepatitis B. 'This test should be strongly recommended for all women, especially before pregnancy, to detect infection early and prevent transmission to the child,' he said. However, clinics often operate during standard working hours, and relatively few employers offer on-site testing or flexible leave for preventive health services. 'This creates a vicious cycle of low awareness, low testing and consequently, late diagnosis,' Dr Vora explained. 3. Vaccination Gaps 'While childhood vaccination is part of India's Universal Immunisation Program, adult women—particularly in reproductive age—often miss out on catch-up vaccination, putting them at avoidable risk,' Dr Patel explained. Dr Vora added, 'Despite the availability of effective hepatitis B vaccines and curative treatments for hepatitis C, awareness remains low. Many women are unaware of their vaccination status or the need for screening, especially if they were born before hepatitis B vaccination was included in national immunisation programs.' Tattoos can be a hidden threat if done at unlicensed parlours with non-sterile equipment. (Freepik) 4. Unsafe Practices: Hepatitis is also compounded by social stigma, largely due to its association with sexual transmission or drug use, Dr Vora emphasised. 'Even educated women may feel hesitant to seek testing or disclose their status for fear of being misunderstood, judged, or discriminated against in the workplace,' he explained. Therefore, safe sex practices must be emphasised, especially among young adults, per Dr Patel. 'Tattoos, which are increasingly popular among younger women as a form of self-expression, can be a hidden threat if done at unlicensed parlours with non-sterile equipment. Tattooing with contaminated needles is a known route for Hepatitis B transmission,' he added. 5. Stigma and Silence: Dr Patel explained, 'There is a hesitation to undergo screening or discuss Hepatitis B openly due to the associated stigma. This social silence delays diagnosis and care.' Tips and tests women should know about early detection Here are some key things to remember, as per Dr Patel: Routine Hepatitis B screening (S. HBsAg)should be made a standard part of pre-marital and pre-pregnancy health checks. Promote vaccination for all unvaccinated women as part of preventive health campaigns. Educate women on transmission routes and the importance of safe sex and safe body art practices. Conduct awareness drives in schools, colleges, and workplaces to normalise conversations around liver health and Hepatitis B. Providenon-judgmental clinical environments where women feel safe to seek testing and treatment. Workplace awareness Lastly, Dr Vora highlighted how hepatitis education is often absent from workplace wellness communications. 'Without targeted information campaigns, the average working woman remains unaware of the long-term risks of chronic hepatitis or the ease of getting screened with a simple blood test,' he stated. To bridge this gap, Dr Vora suggested a need for comprehensive and gender-sensitive workplace health and wellness policies: Awareness: Constant availability of health information from credible and medically validated sources. Screening and Education: Ensuring workplace testing or the provision of access to external screening. Destigmatization: An open culture where discussions around health conditions are free and frank without prejudice Engagement: Using digital enablement and fostering a sense of community. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
News18
4 days ago
- Health
- News18
Hepatitis And The Working Woman: Barriers To Early Detection And Care
Last Updated: Hepatitis infections, especially hepatitis B and C can remain asymptomatic for years In the landscape of global health, viral hepatitis continues to be a big challenge, with over a million deaths being attributed to Hepatitis B and C annually. The silent nature of these infections allows them to go undetected for years, especially among working women, an underserved and frequently overlooked group in health matters. As we observe World Hepatitis Day, it is vital to highlight the unique barriers working women face in the early detection and care of hepatitis. Dr Vikram Vora, Medical Director, International SOS shares all you need to know: Hepatitis infections, especially hepatitis B and C can remain asymptomatic for years. Without targeted screening, many individuals especially women juggling multiple roles, who are unable to focus on their own health and wellbeing, do not realize that they are infected until the disease has progressed and caused serious liver damage, including fibrosis, cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. This culturally ingrained self-neglect means symptoms, when they appear, may be brushed aside or misattributed to stress or hormonal changes. In working women, this can be even more pronounced due to the complex interplay of occupational, social, and biological factors. Working women often operate under significant time pressure, regardless of whether they work in formal or informal sectors. Between managing household responsibilities and professional demands, preventive health checkups end up being deprioritized. Although corporate wellness programs have started to focus on non-communicable diseases (like diabetes and hypertension), rarely do they include hepatitis screening. Further, clinics often operate during standard working hours, and relatively few employers offer on-site testing or flexible leave for preventive health services. This creates a vicious cycle of low awareness, low testing and consequently, late diagnosis. Hepatitis is also compounded by social stigma, largely due to its association with sexual transmission or drug use. Even educated women may feel hesitant to seek testing or disclose their status for fear of being misunderstood, judged, or discriminated against in the workplace. Despite the availability of effective hepatitis B vaccines and curative treatments for hepatitis C, awareness remains low. Many women are unaware of their vaccination status or the need for screening, especially if they were born before hepatitis B vaccination was included in national immunization programs. Additionally, hepatitis education is often absent from workplace wellness communications. Without targeted information campaigns, the average working woman remains unaware of the long-term risks of chronic hepatitis or the ease of getting screened with a simple blood test. To bridge this gap, we need comprehensive and gender-sensitive workplace health and wellness policies that provide the following: Awareness – constant availability of health information from credible and medically validated sources. Screening and Education – ensuring workplace testing or the provision of access to external screening. Destigmatization – an open culture where discussions around health conditions are free and frank without prejudice Engagement – using digital enablement and fostering a sense of community. Hepatitis is silent but should not be invisible. By recognizing the barriers working women face in detection and treatment and taking targeted steps to overcome them, we can protect this vital segment of the workforce from a preventable, treatable, and often curable disease. view comments First Published: July 28, 2025, 14:18 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India.com
24-07-2025
- Health
- India.com
Monsoon Health Hazards: Simple Steps Employees Can Take To Stay Safe
While the monsoon season brings a welcome drop in temperature, it also increases the risk of infections and seasonal illnesses. For employees managing busy schedules, the onset of the rains requires extra caution to avoid falling sick and missing workdays. The combination of high humidity, waterlogging, and contamination makes this season particularly challenging from a health perspective. Dr. Vikram Vora, Medical Director and Chief Health Officer (Indian Subcontinent), International SOS shares simple steps employees can take to stay safe. Monsoon Illnesses You Should Know About The warm, damp conditions during the rains are ideal for the growth and spread of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This results in a spike in multiple types of diseases—some inconvenient, others quite serious. Waterborne illnesses are among the most common. These include diarrheal diseases, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A and E. The primary cause is the consumption of contaminated water or food. Stagnant water and poor sanitation further contribute to their spread. Mosquito-borne infections like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis are also on the rise during this season. Accumulated rainwater in coolers, flower pots, garbage bins, and clogged drains provides mosquitoes with ideal breeding grounds, often right inside or around residential and office areas. Airborne diseases are more prevalent due to increased humidity and poor ventilation. This promotes the growth of fungi and mold, which can worsen asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections such as the common cold and flu. Skin infections also surge. Constant exposure to wet clothing and sweaty feet creates the perfect setup for fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm. Even small cuts or wounds take longer to heal and are more likely to get infected. Another serious concern is leptospirosis, which is caused by exposure to floodwaters contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Walking barefoot or wading through such waters significantly raises the risk. Prevention Tips for the Monsoon Season Preventing these illnesses is possible with a few consistent and mindful precautions: ● Always drink boiled or filtered water. Avoid consuming juices or ice from street vendors. ● Stick to freshly prepared, home-cooked meals. Avoid raw salads, chutneys, or street food. ● Use mosquito repellents, wear full-sleeved clothing, and ensure no water stagnation in and around your home or workplace. ● Bathe daily, keep feet dry, and choose breathable footwear. Don't walk barefoot in wet areas. ● Carry rain gear when commuting and change out of wet clothes immediately to avoid chills or viral infections. Do's and Don'ts for a Healthy Monsoon Do's Wash your hands often with soap. Keep nails clean and trimmed. Disinfect floors and frequently touched surfaces. Stay hydrated with clean water. Use mosquito nets or repellents at night. Don'ts Don't allow water to stagnate in containers or trash. Don't consume open or uncovered fruits sold outside. Avoid walking through floodwater unless absolutely necessary. Don't ignore persistent fever, diarrhea, or unexplained aches. Never self-medicate; always consult a doctor. By prioritizing hygiene, clean eating, and quick medical attention, employees can stay healthy throughout the rainy season. A little vigilance goes a long way because prevention is always better than a cure.
India.com
24-05-2025
- Health
- India.com
Rise In COVID 19 Cases In India: Precautionary Measures Indians Should Take Amid Rising Cases
India is once again witnessing a rise in COVID-19 cases, a reminder that the virus never truly disappeared. It merely receded into the background, aided by natural immunity, mass vaccinations, and widely adopted COVID-appropriate behavior. However, the evolving nature of the virus and fluctuating immunity levels in the population necessitate renewed vigilance and responsible public health practices. Dr Vikram Vora, Medical Director, International SOS shares precautionary measures Indians should take amid rising cases. With newer variants emerging, the threat of periodic surges persists. While the rise in cases is not alarming just yet, complacency can quickly change the situation. It is important to understand that COVID-19 has transitioned from a pandemic to an endemic. This means instead of one-time protocols, we must now adopt sustained 'health practices' to protect ourselves and our communities. Vaccination Remains Key COVID-19 vaccines continue to offer substantial protection, especially against severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even with the newer variants. Booster doses are being updated to enhance cross-protection, and it is essential for vulnerable groups—including the elderly, those with chronic conditions, and immunocompromised individuals—to stay current with their vaccination schedules. Vaccination does not completely prevent infection, but it significantly reduces the severity of outcomes. Testing and Early Detection Even if vaccinated, individuals must get tested if they show symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat, or if they have been in close contact with a confirmed case. Testing plays a critical role in limiting community spread and enables early intervention, which is particularly important for those with underlying health risks. The Mask is Still a Shield Wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded or poorly ventilated places continues to be an effective way to reduce transmission. Public transport, healthcare settings, and indoor gatherings are high-risk areas where masking is strongly recommended. Workplace Preparedness and 'Health Practices' Organizations must shift focus from temporary protocols to long-term health practices. This includes promoting respiratory hygiene, monitoring indoor air quality, facilitating access to testing, and ensuring that employees can shift to remote work if required. A robust contingency plan can prevent workplace outbreaks and maintain business continuity. An emerging concern is 'immunity debt'—the reduced natural stimulation of the immune system due to prolonged hygiene practices. As a result, other respiratory illnesses like flu are resurging with greater severity. This can increase absenteeism and decrease workplace productivity. Hence, employers should also promote annual flu vaccinations and adopt flexible sick leave policies to ensure recovery and prevent further spread. Long COVID is Real Persistent symptoms after recovery, known as 'long COVID', can affect both adults and children, although less frequently in the latter. Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain can significantly affect quality of life. Recognizing and supporting those with long COVID is an emerging need for both public health authorities and employers. In conclusion, as India deals with this current rise in COVID-19 cases, the goal is not fear, but preparedness. Practicing vigilance, updating vaccinations, wearing masks when needed, and fostering supportive health environments—at home and in the workplace—will go a long way in keeping us all safe.
