India has achieved a major breakthrough against liver diseases and infections caused by contaminated water. Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical giant Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has launched the ‘Hevaxin’ vaccine for the prevention of hepatitis E in the country. This…

Big health update:  India has achieved a major breakthrough against liver-related diseases and infections caused by contaminated water. Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical giant Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has launched the ‘Hevaxin’ vaccine for the prevention of hepatitis E in the country. This move 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 primarily spread through contaminated water and unsanitary conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 20 million people contract the virus each year, killing 70,000. This virus is extremely dangerous for pregnant women, leading to approximately 3,000 miscarriages annually. This virus alone is responsible for 15 to 45% of cases of acute liver failure in the country.

Hevaxin Vaccine: Important Information
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved this vaccine. Let’s take a look at the key points:

Suitable age: This vaccine can be administered to people between the ages of 18 and 65.

Type of vaccine: This is a recombinant vaccine that has been found to be completely safe and effective in clinical trials.

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 of hepatitis E appear some time after infection:

Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Urine color: Dark yellow or brown urine.

Digestive: Vomiting, stomach pain, and loss of appetite.

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:

Safe drinking water: Always drink boiled or filtered water.

Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly before meals and after using the toilet.

Vaccination: If you live in a high-risk area, complete the course of ‘Hevaxin’ as advised by your doctor.