We all have heard about Hepatitis and dread the word much, but how many of us actually know about it? 

Aimed at raising awareness on World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28 every year, we debunk some of the popular myths surrounding it.

Myth 1: 

Fact: 70% of children and 30% of adults may not have jaundice with acute hepatitis infection.

Myth 2:  

Fact: Nutrition is very important for the improvement of liver function. Limiting oneself to only bland and boiled food can easily lead to protein-calorie malnutrition during the prolonged illness. 

Myth 3: 

Fact: People believe that eating yellow-coloured foods such as dal, turmeric and lemon can up your risk of jaundice. However, this is not true. In fact, foods like turmeric are good for the liver as it is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties and also help in detoxifying the liver. The antioxidants in lemon juice help in flushing the free radicals from the liver and help the organ to recover following the infection.

Myth 4: 

Fact: Hepatitis B is not spread by casual contact such as from the air, hugging, touching, sneezing, coughing, toilet seats, or doorknobs. However, while not the leading form of transmission, hepatitis can be passed to another person through intercourse and other intimate activity.

Myth 5:  


Fact: The Hep C virus can survive outside a host for up to three weeks at room temperature. However, like Hep B, there are only specific ways it can spread (in the case of Hep C, through blood contact).