A major success has been achieved in India against liver related diseases and infections caused by contaminated water. Hyderabad’s leading pharma company Dr. Reddy’s has launched ‘Hevaxin’ vaccine for the prevention of Hepatitis E in the country.
This step could prove to be a game-changer in preventing liver failure and deaths among pregnant women in India.
Hepatitis E: a silent threat
Hepatitis E is a viral infection that spreads mainly due to contaminated water and unhygienic conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 2 crore people fall prey to this virus every year, out of which 70,000 die. This virus is very dangerous for pregnant women, causing about 3,000 abortions annually. This single virus is responsible for 15 to 45% of ‘acute liver failure’ cases in the country.
Hevaxin Vaccine: Important Information
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved this vaccine. Let us know the main things about it:
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Suitable Age: This vaccine can be administered to people between 18 and 65 years of age.
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Vaccine Type: This is a recombinant vaccine which has been found to be completely safe and effective in clinical trials.
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price: Although the official price has not been announced yet, experts say that the price of this vaccine will be quite affordable compared to the expensive treatment of liver failure (which costs lakhs).
Symptoms and Identification
Symptoms of hepatitis E appear shortly after infection:
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Jaundice: Yellowing of skin and eyes.
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Urine color: Dark yellow or brown urine.
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Digestion: Vomiting, stomach pain and loss of appetite.
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Other: Severe fatigue, joint pain and mild fever.
Prevention Methods: How to Protect Yourself?
Apart from the vaccine, it is important to make these changes in your lifestyle:
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Safe Drinking Water: Always drink boiled or filtered water.
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Cleanliness: Wash hands thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet.
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vaccination: If you live in a high-risk area, complete the course of ‘Hevaxin’ as per your doctor’s advice.