How Hepatitis Spreads: Common Myths Debunked

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is highlighting the importance of understanding how hepatitis truly spreads while debunking common myths that continue to fuel fear, stigma, and misinformation this World Hepatitis Day (28 July). Millions of people worldwide live with hepatitis, yet misconceptions about the disease still contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), viral hepatitis remains a major global health concern and can lead to serious liver disease, cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer if left untreated,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“Hepatitis is often misunderstood because many people do not realise there are different types that spread in different ways. Understanding the facts can help people protect themselves, seek treatment earlier, and support loved ones without fear or judgement.”

What Is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. While alcohol, toxins, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications can cause hepatitis, viral hepatitis is one of the most common forms.

The five main hepatitis viruses are:

• Hepatitis A.
• Hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis C.
• Hepatitis D.
• Hepatitis E.

Each type spreads differently and affects the body in different ways.

Myth 1: Hepatitis Only Spreads Through Dirty Food

This is only partly true.

Hepatitis A and hepatitis E are commonly spread through contaminated food or water, poor sanitation, or inadequate hygiene practices. Hepatitis E can also be particularly dangerous during pregnancy.

However, hepatitis B, C, and D are mainly spread through infected blood and certain body fluids.

This can happen through:

• Sharing needles or syringes.
• Unsafe tattoo or piercing equipment.
• Unprotected sex.
• Sharing razors or toothbrushes contaminated with blood.
• From mother to baby during childbirth.
• Unsafe medical procedures involving contaminated equipment.

Hepatitis D only occurs in people who are already infected with hepatitis B.

Myth 2: You Can Catch Hepatitis from Hugging or Sharing Food

One of the most harmful myths is that hepatitis spreads through everyday social contact.

Hepatitis B and C are not spread through hugging, shaking hands, coughing, sneezing, kissing on the cheek, or sharing utensils and meals. People living with hepatitis should not be isolated or treated differently because of their diagnosis.

This misunderstanding often causes stigma and prevents people from getting tested or speaking openly about their condition.

Myth 3: Only People Who Drink Alcohol Get Hepatitis

Although excessive alcohol use can seriously damage the liver, viral hepatitis is caused by infection, not alcohol consumption alone.

A healthy person with no history of alcohol abuse can still contract hepatitis through exposure to infected blood or body fluids. In some cases, people may carry the virus for years without realising it.

Myth 4: Hepatitis Always Causes Symptoms

Many people with hepatitis experience few or no symptoms in the early stages. This is especially common with hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Extreme tiredness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Abdominal pain.
• Dark urine.
• Pale stools.
• Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice).
• Joint pain or fever.

Because symptoms can be vague or develop slowly, many infections are only discovered during routine blood tests or after liver damage has already occurred.

Myth 5: Tattoos and Piercings Are Always Safe

Tattoos and piercings can be safe when done by trained professionals who use sterile, single-use equipment.

The risk increases when equipment is reused or not properly sterilised. Unclean needles can spread bloodborne infections, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

People should always ensure studios follow strict hygiene and sterilisation procedures before getting tattoos or piercings.

Myth 6: Hepatitis Is Always Fatal

A hepatitis diagnosis is serious, but it is not automatically fatal.

Vaccination against hepatitis A and hepatitis B is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of infection. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, making prevention and early testing especially important.

Modern medicine has also improved treatment outcomes significantly. Hepatitis C can often be cured with antiviral medication, while hepatitis B can usually be managed successfully with long-term monitoring and treatment when necessary.

Early diagnosis plays a major role in preventing long-term liver damage.

Why Testing Matters

Because hepatitis symptoms are often overlooked, proper testing is important. Blood tests can help detect different forms of hepatitis, past exposure, or immunity.

People may want to consider testing if they:

• Have shared needles when using drugs.
• Have had unsterile tattoos or piercings.
• Received blood transfusions many years ago.
• Have a partner or family member with hepatitis.
• Work in healthcare.
• Believe they may have been exposed to infected blood.

Early diagnosis not only improves treatment outcomes but also helps prevent unknowingly spreading the virus to others.

Breaking the Stigma Around Hepatitis

Fear and misinformation continue to prevent many people from seeking medical help. However, hepatitis is a medical condition, not something people should feel ashamed of.

Greater awareness, routine testing, vaccination, and access to healthcare can help reduce the impact of hepatitis and prevent serious complications in the future.

Affinity Health offers members access to professional healthcare support, including in-person consultations and telehealth services, helping people seek medical advice, referrals, and guidance if they have concerns about hepatitis or their liver health.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our members peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.

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