How early screening can beat 'silent killers' Hepatitis B and C

Symptoms of these critical infections, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer, are vague and easily dismissedHepatitis B and C often progress silently for years, causing serious liver damage long before any warning signs appear. Dr Vikram Raut, senior consultant-hepatology and liver transplant surgery at Fortis Hospitals Mumbai, explains why early screening is the key to preventing cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.Most people believe that if they have a serious liver disease, they will develop jaundice, severe pain or obvious symptoms. That is not true for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. These infections are often called “silent killers” because they can quietly damage the liver for years without causing any noticeable symptoms.This is largely attributed to the huge reserve and regeneration potential of the liver—we just need 30 per cent of the normal liver for body functions. In India, 300 million people are living with Hepatitis B or C without knowing they are infected. Many discover the disease only when they develop liver cirrhosis, liver failure or even liver cancer.One of the biggest reasons these infections are ignored is that the early symptoms are vague and easily dismissed. A person may experience mild tiredness, reduced appetite, occasional nausea, bodyaches or weakness. These symptoms are commonly attributed to stress, lack of sleep, ageing or a busy lifestyle. Since there is usually no pain, fever or jaundice in the early stages, people rarely think about getting their liver checked. Another challenge is the lack of awareness. Many people believe Hepatitis spreads only through alcohol consumption or poor food hygiene. In reality, Hepatitis B can spread through infected blood, unprotected sexual contact or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through infected blood, such as unsafe injections, unsterile medical or dental procedures, tattooing with contaminated equipment or sharing needles.Many infected individuals cannot identify exactly when or how they acquired the infection. The encouraging news is that both infections can be detected with a simple blood test. Hepatitis B can be effectively controlled with modern antiviral medications, helping prevent liver damage. Hepatitis C, in most cases, can now be completely cured with oral medicines taken for a few months. Early diagnosis dramatically reduces the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.Certain individuals should be particularly vigilant. These include people with a family history of Hepatitis B, healthcare workers, individuals who received blood transfusions before routine screening became widespread, patients on dialysis, people with multiple sexual partners, those with a history of injecting drug use, and anyone with persistently abnormal liver function tests.Hepatitis B is also preventable through vaccination. Every newborn should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine, and adults who have never been vaccinated should discuss immunisation with their healthcare provider. Although there is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C, safe medical practices and blood screening have significantly reduced new infections.The message is simple: do not wait for symptoms to appear. If you belong to a high-risk group or have never been screened, ask your doctor about Hepatitis B and C testing. A few minutes spent on a blood test today could prevent life-threatening liver disease tomorrow. When detected early, these silent infections can be controlled and in the case of Hepatitis C often cured, allowing people to live long and healthy lives. Subscribe to India Today Magazine- EndsPublished By: Akshita JollyPublished On: Aug 6, 2026 17:25 IST