NEW DELHI : “Most families rarely think about hepatitis until someone close to them gets diagnosed.”
According to Dr Shudhakar Pandey, Gastroenterologist at Sukriti Gastro Liver Clinic, Lucknow, that mindset is one of the biggest reasons hepatitis often goes undetected. Many people assume it’s a disease that affects “someone else”, but by the time symptoms appear, the liver may already have suffered significant damage.
As Dr Pandey puts it, “The truth is, hepatitis rarely announces itself with dramatic symptoms. It builds quietly, often for years, before anyone notices.” Unlike illnesses that present obvious warning signs, hepatitis can silently progress, making early awareness far more important than many realise.
The liver specialist believes prevention should begin at home rather than in the doctor’s office. “A household-level checklist matters more than a one-time doctor’s visit because risk factors usually exist long before symptoms do,” he says, urging families to have honest conversations about their medical history instead of waiting for illness to strike.
Understanding The Everyday Risk Factors For Hepatitis
Dr Pandey explains that hepatitis can develop through multiple routes. Hepatitis A and E are commonly linked to contaminated food and water, while Hepatitis B and C spread through infected blood and body fluids. Heavy alcohol consumption, obesity-related fatty liver disease and prolonged, unsupervised use of medications can also increase the risk of liver inflammation.
The Questions Every Family Should Be Asking
He recommends that every family ask a few simple questions: Has anyone received a blood transfusion before rigorous screening became standard? Has anyone used unsterilised needles for tattoos or piercings? Has every pregnant woman in the family been tested for Hepatitis B?
According to him, “None of these questions require medical training to ask—just a willingness to have an uncomfortable conversation at the dinner table.” Sometimes, these conversations can reveal hidden risks that would otherwise go unnoticed for years.
Why Early Screening Is Better Than Waiting For Symptoms
One of the biggest mistakes people make, Dr Pandey says, is waiting for symptoms before seeking medical help. Fatigue, abdominal discomfort or jaundice often appear only after the disease has progressed.
That’s why, he stresses, “Screening blood tests matter more than waiting for obvious warning signs.” A simple liver function test, along with Hepatitis B and C screening, can detect problems much earlier and allow treatment to begin before serious liver damage occurs.
Vaccination And Prevention Begin At Home
Prevention, he adds, is a responsibility shared by the whole family. Vaccination against Hepatitis B remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of infection, while practising safe injection habits, ensuring sterile equipment for tattoos or medical procedures and avoiding unsafe blood transfusions are equally important.
As Dr Pandey notes, “Protecting one member effectively means protecting everyone under the same roof.” Taking preventive measures together creates a safer environment for every member of the family.
‘Protecting One Person Means Protecting The Whole Family’
Beyond vaccinations, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits also plays a crucial role in protecting the liver. Limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and consulting a doctor before taking long-term medications can significantly lower the risk of liver disease.
Rather than relying on fear, the gastroenterologist believes awareness is what truly saves lives. “Awareness rarely comes from fear-driven messaging. It comes from simple, honest conversations and a willingness to get tested before symptoms force the issue,” he says.
His advice is simple but powerful: “A five-minute checklist today can spare a family years of complicated treatment tomorrow.” For many households, that conversation could be the first step towards preventing a disease that often remains hidden until it’s too late.
