"Hepatitis" warning to hairdressers and barbers

Gülhane Training and Research Hospital Deputy Chief Physician and Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cumhur Artuk, drawing attention to July 28th World Viral Hepatitis Awareness Day, said there are 250 to 300 million hepatitis patients worldwide.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Artuk stated that recent studies show that the rate of Hepatitis B patients in Türkiye is around 3 percent and Hepatitis C patients is 5 per thousand.

Artuk stated, "Hepatitis B virus infection is among the most common causes of liver transplantation, both globally and in our country. Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through bodily fluids, blood, and blood products, surgical instruments contaminated with these blood and blood products, dentists, other minor incisions, the use of shared razors, and household transmission, as well as through shared cutlery. The most striking aspect of hepatitis B transmission is that it can even be transmitted through sweat transfer, that is, through contact with sweat, in non-contact sports. Sexual transmission is also possible. Recently, it has been observed that transmission can occur through manicures, pedicures, and the use of scissors and razors at hairdressers and barbershops, as well as through the contamination of these bodily fluids with the skin or mucosa of susceptible individuals. To prevent this, it is important to sterilize these instruments after each use."

'VACCINES PROVIDE 95 PERCENT IMMUNITY'

Assoc. Prof. Dr. stated that Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood. Artuk said, "Hepatitis B can be transmitted through skin cracks, fissures, etc., through contact with body fluids, or through contact with other mucosal surfaces, such as the mouth, nose, or eyes. If someone suspects hepatitis, they should definitely consult a healthcare provider and get tested. When someone donates blood, they are routinely screened for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Before surgery, they are also screened for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and even HIV. Diagnosis can be made through a blood test. Childhood vaccines include Hepatitis B. In fact, as of April 18, 2025, the Ministry of Health changed the 5-dose combination vaccine to a 6-dose combination. Normally, the Hepatitis B vaccine is administered between 0-1 and 6 months of age. This provides 95% immunity. If the remaining 5% haven't been immune with the vaccine, another vaccination schedule is available: 4 doses at 0-1 and 12 months of age. "It is being applied. In this case, immunity is provided to half of that 5 percent, that is, 2.5 percent," he said.

'THE PATIENT DOES NOT SHOW ANY SYMPTOMS'

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Artuk emphasized that the biggest problem with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C is that they are insidious diseases. He said, "We can't know if they're present without testing, and they don't show any symptoms in the patient. Because they don't, they can lead to chronic liver disease, liver failure (known as cirrhosis), and liver cancer in later years. Therefore, when a normal adult contracts the Hepatitis B virus from a susceptible individual, they may seek medical attention with complaints such as jaundice in the eyes, jaundice throughout the body, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. The biggest reason for the prevalence of hepatitis worldwide is that when the Hepatitis B virus is transmitted to the body, usually during or after birth—that is, under the age of one—the immune system recognizes it as its own and doesn't react to it. Because it doesn't react, the Hepatitis B virus continues to live in the normal body like any other cell. By the age of 20 or 30, if there's an activation and these symptoms appear, it can be detected in the patient."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Artuk stated that before any procedures, especially at hairdressers, barbershops, and beauty salons, which are frequently used by the public, it's important to check whether the equipment has been sterilized and whether it's clean. He added, "Procedures that could cause bleeding or excessive contact with body fluids should be avoided, and personal hygiene should be maintained."