Hepatitis Awareness Month and Hepatitis Testing Day

May is designated as Hepatitis Awareness Month, a vital period dedicated to enhancing public knowledge about viral hepatitis, a group of infectious diseases known collectively as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. During this month, healthcare providers and public health organizations — including CommuniHealth Services — engage in hepatitis awareness campaigns to educate the public about the risks, prevention, and treatment options for hepatitis. National Hepatitis Testing Day — observed on May 19th — is a key part of this awareness effort, emphasizing the importance of testing and early detection.

What Is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infections. There are five main types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. Each type has different modes of transmission, symptoms, and treatment options.

Understanding Hepatitis: Types, Transmission, Symptoms, and Management

Each type of hepatitis has distinct transmission modes, symptoms, risks, and management strategies. Here’s a closer look at each type:

Hepatitis A

• Transmission: Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces from an infected person. It can also spread through close personal contact.
• Symptoms: Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice.
• Risks: While hepatitis A is usually self-limiting, severe cases can lead to liver failure, especially in older adults or those with pre-existing liver conditions.
• Prevention and Management: The best prevention is vaccination. Good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and ensuring safe drinking water, are also crucial. For management, rest, hydration, and medical monitoring are usually sufficient, as the body typically clears the virus on its own.

Hepatitis B

• Transmission: Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids. It can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth, through sexual contact, or by sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment.
• Symptoms: Many people do not experience symptoms initially. When present, symptoms can include abdominal pain, dark urine, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, weakness and fatigue, and jaundice.
• Risks: Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious health issues such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure.
• Prevention and Management: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis B. Other preventive measures include using condoms, not sharing needles, and ensuring safe blood transfusions. Antiviral medications can help manage chronic hepatitis B, slowing liver damage progression.

Hepatitis C

• Transmission: Hepatitis C is mainly transmitted through exposure to infected blood, often through sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. It can also be spread through sexual contact and from mother to child during childbirth.
• Symptoms: Most people with hepatitis C do not exhibit symptoms until liver damage occurs. When symptoms do appear, they may include fatigue, bruising easily, poor appetite, jaundice, dark-colored urine, and itchy skin.
• Risks: Chronic hepatitis C can lead to severe liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure.
• Prevention and Management: There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. Prevention focuses on reducing risk behaviors, such as not sharing needles and practicing safe sex. Antiviral medications can cure most cases of hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D

• Transmission: Hepatitis D only occurs in people who are already infected with hepatitis B. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood.
• Symptoms: Symptoms are similar to those of hepatitis B and can include abdominal pain, dark urine, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, weakness and fatigue, and jaundice.
• Risks: Co-infection with hepatitis B and D can lead to more severe liver disease and a faster progression to liver damage.
• Prevention and Management: Preventing hepatitis B through vaccination also prevents hepatitis D infection. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis D, but managing hepatitis B can help control its effects.

Hepatitis E

• Transmission: Hepatitis E is transmitted primarily through the consumption of contaminated water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.
• Symptoms: Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
• Risks: Hepatitis E is usually self-limiting, but it can be severe in pregnant women and people with pre-existing chronic liver disease.
• Prevention and Management: There is no specific vaccine for hepatitis E widely available. Preventive measures include maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation, ensuring safe drinking water, and avoiding uncooked shellfish.

Hepatitis Vaccines

Vaccination is a key tool in preventing hepatitis. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B:

• Hepatitis A Vaccine: The hepatitis A vaccine is typically given in two doses, six months apart. It is recommended for all children at age 1 and for adults at risk of infection or who want protection.
• Hepatitis B Vaccine: The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given as a series of three or four shots over six months. It is recommended for all infants, children, and adolescents who have not been vaccinated previously, and for adults at risk of infection.

For those traveling to areas with high rates of hepatitis A or B, getting vaccinated is especially important.

Hepatitis Awareness Month

Hepatitis Awareness Month is crucial for increasing public understanding of these diseases and their impact. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, millions of Americans are living with viral hepatitis, many of whom are unaware of their infection. This month-long observance focuses on educating people about the importance of prevention, vaccination, and testing.

Hepatitis Testing Day

National Hepatitis Testing Day, observed on May 19th, is a key component of Hepatitis Awareness Month. It serves as a reminder for individuals to get tested for hepatitis, particularly those at higher risk. Testing for hepatitis is essential because early detection can lead to effective treatment, preventing liver damage and other complications.

Why Is Hepatitis Testing Important?

Early detection through a hepatitis test can significantly impact the management and outcome of the disease. How to test for hepatitis involves simple blood tests that can identify the presence of the virus and determine the type of hepatitis. Knowing one’s hepatitis status can lead to timely treatment and reduce the risk of transmission to others.

Hepatitis Awareness Month and Hepatitis Testing Day play pivotal roles in combating viral hepatitis. By promoting hepatitis awareness, encouraging vaccination, and emphasizing the importance of hepatitis testing, we can reduce the burden of these diseases. 

At CommuniHealth Services, we understand the importance of preventive care and encourage all of our patients to schedule preventive services. As a federally qualified health center, we strive to ensure underserved populations receive holistic health care. We provide medical, dental, and behavioral health care services for patients of all ages. Other services include pharmacy, substance abuse counseling, transportation, translation, specialty care/services, health education, and comprehensive outreach. You can learn more about the services we offer or even schedule an appointment at one of our many locations!