The liver doesn’t ask for much, but it does everything for you. It metabolizes nutrients, screens out poisons, synthesizes proteins, and aids in the digestion of your food. But when hepatitis strikes—a disease characterized by swelling of the liver—that whole system can become unbalanced. And the most likely culprits? The five viruses simply called hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

Each viral hepatitis type acts differently, transmits itself differently, and does its own kind of damage. Some resolve rapidly. Others lie dormant for years, silently harming the liver until it is too late. This makes learning about hepatitis—not as a disease but as a category of very different conditions—key to safeguarding long-term liver health.

When your liver becomes inflamed, it has difficulty doing its vital jobs—purifying your blood, making bile for digestion, storing nutrients, and helping to regulate clotting and metabolism. This inflammation may be acute (temporary) or chronic (longer than six months), depending on the cause and how your immune system reacts.

Hepatitis may be initiated by infections, toxins, autoimmune, or metabolic disorders, but the predominant offenders worldwide are viral infections. The viruses are segregated into hepatitis A through E, each with a different effect on liver cells and course of disease.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), usually spreading by food or water contamination. After entering the body, the virus takes the route of the bloodstream and reaches the liver. There, it infects liver cells and triggers the immune system to respond with inflammation.

This immune response results in the death of infected liver cells, and this can cause symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, and gastrointestinal disturbance. Happily, HAV does not lead to chronic liver disease. The liver will normally regenerate completely after clearing the virus, and the majority of individuals recover in several weeks with no long-term effects.

All that being said, on occasion—most often in older individuals or individuals with existing liver disease—hepatitis A can result in acute liver failure. The liver gets so bogged down from inflammation that it temporarily ceases to function. Vaccination and proper sanitation are still the best defense.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is spread through blood, body fluids, or from mother to child at the time of birth. After entering the body, HBV infects liver cells and embeds its genetic material into them. The immune system destroys these infected cells, leading to extensive inflammation.

In most adults, the immune system eliminates the virus and the liver recovers. But not in all—particularly infants infected at birth—the virus persists. Chronic hepatitis B forms when the body's immune system fails to destroy the virus, resulting in prolonged inflammation and eventual loss of liver cells.

With time, this persistent immune attack can result in fibrosis (liver scarring), cirrhosis (severe, permanent scarring), and even liver cancer. What's particularly alarming is that chronic hepatitis B usually has no symptoms for decades. But below the radar, the virus quietly destroys liver tissue, cell by cell.

Vaccination prevents hepatitis B remarkably well, and antiviral medications can suppress the virus, stopping or slowing liver damage.

Hepatitis C

In contrast to HAV and HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is transmitted nearly exclusively via the blood—usually through shared needles, untested transfusions (prior to 1992), or unsterilized medical procedures. Once infected by HCV, the liver starts to replicate the virus within liver cells, hiding from the immune system for years.

This sneaky virus hardly ever produces symptoms at the acute stage. Actually, most individuals don't even realize they are infected. But the liver doesn't remain unaffected. As HCV quietly multiplies, it causes low-grade inflammation that lasts for decades. The immune system acts against the infected cells, causing fibrosis.

Over time, chronic hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis, in which scar tissue forms in place of healthy liver tissue. In later stages, the function of the liver declines, and the risk of liver failure and liver cancer accelerates. A liver transplant becomes the only recourse for many.

The better news? Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments now cure greater than 95% of infections. Early diagnosis, however, is still important—once cirrhosis takes hold, the damage can be permanent, even once the virus is gone.

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D, or HDV, is different from the others—it can't infect the liver by itself. It only exists in those already infected with hepatitis B, employing the outer shell of the HBV virus to replicate.

When HBV and HDV infect the liver concurrently (a co-infection) or if HDV is contracted later on superimposition of pre-existing HBV (a superinfection), the immune system is twice assaulted. The liver has to cope with more intense inflammation, resulting in more rapid fibrosis progression and much increased risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

In individuals with co-infection, liver injury is more severe, and complications arise years sooner than in HBV mono-infection. There are no specific therapies for HDV currently, and its management relies mostly on the control of hepatitis B.

It is also possible to prevent HBV infection and thereby hepatitis D by vaccination. Antiviral therapy and close follow-up can likewise decrease the chances of serious HDV complications in those already infected with HBV.

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is transmitted primarily through water, which makes it prevalent in underdeveloped countries with inadequate sanitation. Upon entry into the body, it acts like HAV—producing an acute infection, liver inflammation, and a short duration of illness.

The vast majority of healthy individuals with hepatitis E recover uneventfully. The virus is naturally cleared, and the liver generally restores to normal completely. But in pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester, hepatitis E leads to acute liver failure and has a significantly increased risk of death. This is secondary to an overactive immune response and hormonal changes that exacerbate the liver's inflammatory process.

Hepatitis E can, in rare cases, become chronic, leading to long-term damage of the liver in some individuals, such as organ transplant recipients, especially those with weakened immune systems.

Prevention through clean water, sanitation, and hygiene and food safety is practiced in most countries where there are no widely available vaccines for hepatitis E.

What Are the Consequences of Chronic Hepatitis?

What links hepatitis B, C, and occasionally D is that they all have the potential to become chronic—i.e., the virus continues to cause liver inflammation over years or even decades. This ongoing low-grade inflammation leads to persistent scarring of liver tissue, called fibrosis.

As fibrosis progresses, it results in cirrhosis, with scar tissue dominating the liver, strangling its blood supply and function. The liver starts to fail. It is no longer able to process toxins, manufacture clotting factors, or metabolize drugs. Here, individuals are susceptible to internal bleeding, confusion, infections, and organ failure.

Even more concerning is the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, a liver cancer primary to chronic hepatitis B and C. The chronic viral presence causes changes in DNA of liver cells, paving the way for malignant change.

What If Hepatitis Is Left Untreated?

Not treating hepatitis—especially the chronic stages—places you on a trajectory for irreversible liver damage. Even when you may not be feeling sick at present, inflammation can be quietly devouring your liver. Left untreated, this can culminate in lifelong disability, necessitate liver transplantation, or cut short lifespan from complications such as liver cancer.

In addition, untreated individuals can go on to infect others with hepatitis B or C by contact with blood or through sex. In pregnant women, hepatitis B and C can be transmitted to the unborn child at the time of delivery, which makes prevention and early treatment critical to the next generation.

Every year on July 28, World Hepatitis Day calls to mind that hepatitis remains a global health issue. More than 354 million individuals have chronic hepatitis B or C infection, unaware they are infected. It's not only an issue in low-income nations—people from all geographies and income groups are affected by hepatitis.

The date commemorates Nobel laureate scientist Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and created the first vaccine. His legacy goes on saving millions of lives.

The World Health Organization's goal is ambitious, to eradicate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. But it begins with awareness, testing, vaccination, and access to life-saving treatment.

The liver is tough, but not forever. Once scarring sets in, there is no turning back. The sooner hepatitis is found, the better your chances of recovery and preventing long-term complications. With vaccines to prevent hepatitis A and B, and curative therapy for hepatitis C, the means are at hand.

If you’ve never been tested for hepatitis, especially if you’ve had a blood transfusion before the 90s, were born to an infected mother, or engaged in high-risk behaviors now is the time. Your liver’s future depends on it.

If you are in Delhi-NCR and have recently been coughing, sneezing, or running a fever, you are not alone. A recent LocalCircles survey shows that 69 per cent of households in the region currently have one or more members experiencing Covid, flu, or viral fever-like symptoms.

The report, titled “Viral illnesses soar in Delhi NCR as 69% households surveyed confirm one or more members experiencing symptoms,” highlights a sharp increase from 54 per cent in March 2025 to 69 per cent now. Here’s a closer look at the H3N2 virus, its symptoms, and the precautions you should take.

What Is the H3N2 Virus?

The virus spreads rapidly through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or even talking. It can also spread when a person touches contaminated surfaces and then touches their face. H3N2 can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that in these groups, H3N2 can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and hospitalization.

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Symptoms of H3N2 Virus to Watch ForAccording to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), H3N2 has been the predominant strain causing the recent surge in flu cases across India. Data from hospital admissions for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) indicates that 50% of these patients tested positive for H3N2.

Common symptoms include:

• Sudden high fever (often above 38–39°C) with chills
• Persistent cough and sore throat
• Severe fatigue, weakness, and body aches
• Headache and nasal congestion
• In children: nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

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Precautions Against H3N2 Virus

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; dispose of tissues immediately
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals; isolate infected household members if possible
• Keep living spaces well-ventilated
• Maintain good nutrition, hydration, and adequate rest
• Consider the seasonal influenza vaccine, which often protects against H3N2 strains—especially important for children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses

H3N2 in the United States

The WHO continues to stress that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza, particularly for high-risk groups and their caregivers.

Recently weight loss medication has gained a lot of popularity. Many people are getting these medicines prescribed in order to lose weight; however, it is not as straightforward of a process as we think it is. There are various aspects of it you should know about before you start taking the medication. One of which is that one needs to take it consistently even after they lose weight because they may gain weight back. How effective the medicine is on you also matters.

Whenever it comes to new medication that can majorly alter a person’s lifestyle physique as well as how their body functions, like Ozempic, one has to be very careful with the doses.

While too much of it can trigger health issues, less of it may not give you the desired effect. So, what should a person do when they are not seeing the results they want? A new study shows that a higher dosage than what we currently have approved, could actually help with better weight loss in obese adults.

An international study has found that a higher weekly dose of the drug semaglutide (7.2 mg) is safe and more effective for weight loss than the currently approved dose (2.4 mg). The findings, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, suggest that this higher dose could be a new and powerful option for adults living with obesity, including those who also have type 2 diabetes.

How Much Semaglutide Dosage Helped People Lose Weight?

In adults who do not have diabetes, a 7.2 mg weekly dose of semaglutide led to a significant average weight loss of almost 19%. This is a notable improvement over the 16% weight loss seen with the standard 2.4 mg dose and a 4% loss in the placebo group (who received a dummy treatment).

Almost half of the participants on the higher dose lost 20% or more of their body weight, with about one-third losing at least 25%. These participants also saw improvements in their waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, which are all important for reducing health risks related to obesity.

For adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes, the 7.2 mg dose also showed better results. These individuals experienced an average weight loss of 13%, compared to 10% with the 2.4 mg dose and 3.9% with the placebo. The higher dose also led to significant reductions in blood sugar levels and waist size.

Is It Safe To Take More Semaglutide?

The study found that the higher dose of semaglutide was safe and well-tolerated overall. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal issues, like nausea and diarrhea, and some tingling sensations. However, most of these side effects were manageable, resolved on their own over time, and did not cause people to drop out of the trial. The researchers did not find any increase in serious health problems or severe drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) with the higher dose.

Researchers believe this higher dose could help more people achieve their health goals and reduce the worldwide burden of obesity. They also noted that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits and risks.

Lymphoma is a form of blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, an essential part of the body’s immune defense. It develops when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, begin to grow and multiply in an abnormal way. The condition is broadly classified into two types, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, each with its own features and treatment methods, as per the American Oncology Institute. With cases becoming increasingly common, here are some of the early warning signs of lymphoma you should be aware of.

What Is World Lymphoma Awareness Day?

According to Netmeds, the theme for World Lymphoma Awareness Day 2025 is ‘Honest Talk.’ This year’s message highlights the need for open and transparent conversations between patients, caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals.

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5 Early Warning Signs of Lymphoma

1. Swollen Lymph Nodes

2. Unexplained Weight Loss

3. Persistent Fatigue

4. Itching or Skin Changes

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5. Night Sweats

Spotting these signs early gives you the chance to seek medical help before lymphoma advances, when treatment is most effective. If you notice any of these symptoms lasting longer than two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. An early check-up will ensure you get the right evaluation and tests without any delay.