World Hepatitis Day is July 28, 2022

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Most cases of hepatitis are caused by a virus. 

There are five main hepatitis viruses: Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E

What Makes Hepatitis a Global Health Problem?

Every 30 seconds, someone dies from a viral hepatitis related illness. Hepatitis related death is preventable with the currently existing prevention, testing and treatment services.

More than 350 million people live with viral hepatitis.

9 out of 10 people living with viral hepatitis are unaware they have the disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis:

• being extra tired
• flu-like symptoms such as chills and vomiting
• yellowing of the skin and eyes
• belly pain 
• dark brown urine
• gray colored stools 
• decreased appetite or weight loss

*Some people with viral hepatitis show no signs of having the disease.

Hepatitis Can Be Prevented:

• Vaccines exist to protect against hepatitis A and hepatitis B
• Wash your hands, especially after using the bathroom or changing a diaper and before eating or preparing food
• Practice safe sex by using protection and avoid passing bodily fluid and blood from person to person
• Practice clean needle use and safe handling and disposal of sharps
• Avoiding consumption of water and ice of unknown purity

Do You Think You or Someone You Know has Hepatitis?

Speak to your physician about blood testing to check for hepatitis.  Blood testing and treatment options are readily available. Left untreated, hepatitis can lead to serious health issues and possibly liver transplant.