How to live with hepatitis D (HDV)?
Living with a chronic infection can be onerous. The following are recommendations that can help you live an otherwise healthy and fulfilled life alongside with the disease.
Eat a balanced diet
RECOMMENDED
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Fruit and vegetables
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Starchy foods
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Fish
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White meat
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Dairy products
TO AVOID
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Foods that contain saturated fatty acids (e.g. fatty meats, fried foods...)
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Sugary foods and drinks (e.g. lemonades, fruit juices, desserts...)
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Raw or undercooked shellfish (eg, clams, mussels, oysters, scallops)
Refrain from consuming alcohol and/or tobacco
Both substances damage your liver, which is already being damaged by the virus.
Take a rest
The liver plays a crucial role in a healthy and functioning body. Liver failure can lead to fatigue. Don't hesitate to give yourself plenty of rest.
Be physically active
Even moderate physical activity keeps you fit and reduces your stress level. If you are an athlete, you can probably continue to practise your favourite sport. Talk to your doctor about this.
Avoid self-medication
Certain medications can damage your liver and lead to complications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Practise safe sex
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis D virus (HDV) are mainly transmitted through blood, but can also be transmitted through other body fluids. Safe sex is primarily about avoiding exposure to potentially contagious blood and body fluids by using condoms during intercourse.
Vaccination can safely prevent hepatitis B (HBV) and thus also hepatitis D (HDV).
Protect your family and loved ones
Do not share items such as toothbrushes, razors, etc. with other people and observe general hygiene measures.
Encourage your family and loved ones to get tested for HBV and HDV and get vaccinated against hepatitis B (HBV) if necessary. Vaccination can safely prevent hepatitis B (HBV) and thus also hepatitis D (HDV).
Unlike hepatitis B (HBV), mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis D (HDV) is rare. However, if you are pregnant, it is important that your doctor knows about your hepatitis D infection. In this way, he can monitor the health of your liver during your pregnancy and ensure that your baby is born healthy.
Take advantage of the advice offered by patient organizations, self-help groups and information portals.
Hepatitis D (HDV) can have a severe impact on the affected person's environment due to the risk of infection and possible psychological effects. To overcome the challenges associated with a chronic (permanent) illness, you should stay informed regularly. Detailed information about hepatitis D (HDV), its course, treatment options and its complications will help you understand the difficulties you face.
You find a list of contact points and offers in different languages here..
Sources
https://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/inhalt-03-2005/titel-03-2005/. Juni 2020
https://www.hepb.org/treatment-and-management/adults-with-hepatitis-b/healthy-liver-tips/ Consulted in May 2023
https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/prevention-tips/. Juni 2020
Chronic Hepatitis B in Pregnancy: Screening, Evaluation and Management (Part I and Part II) Published in The Female Patient, April 2012 (vol. 37): pages 22-27 and May 2012 (vol.37): pages 30-34
https://www.hepb.org/treatment-and-management/pregnancy-and-hbv/treatment-during-pregnancy/ Consulted in May 2023
Important stages from diagnosis to therapy
It is difficult to distinguish the symptoms of acute viral hepatitis D from another form of acute hepatitis.
If you have not been vaccinated against hepatitis B (HBV) and are at risk of contracting HBV or HDV , see your doctor for clarification and guidance. If you knowingly become acutely infected with hepatitis B (HBV), there is the possibility of post-exposure prophylaxis, which must be initiated within forty-eight hours
To find out whether you have contracted HBV or HDV, your blood will be tested in a laboratory.
If a HBV infection is confirmed, testing for hepatitis delta (HDV) should then take place immediately. Additionally, you should receive a referral to a liver specialist (hepato-gastroenterologist).
A hepatologist is a medicalspecialists for liver disease who will examine you in the hospital or in a doctor's office.
A HDV test should generally be performed in patients infected with HBV. More liver-specific tests can be done in the hospital.
Based on the results of the additional tests, your hepatologist, supported by a multidisciplinary medical team, will recommend and prescribe an appropriate HBV/HDV treatment.
Depending on the type of treatment prescribed, you will receive this directly at the hospital or you can obtain the medication from a pharmacy.
It is important to take your medication as directed and to read the patient information leaflets carefully.
Your hepatologist will monitor your treatment to check its effectiveness, as well as monitor the progression of the disease to detect any complications or signs of worsening.
Be assured that you are not alone on this journey or in dealing with this disease. It is very important to have someone to talk to. This can be a friend or family member. A patient organisation can also be a helpful contact point.