May is Hepatitis Awareness Month in the United States (U.S.). May 19th is Hepatitis Testing Day. During this month we work extra hard to shed light on the impact that viral hepatitis has on the public. By raising awareness around hepatitis, we can also encourage testing, vaccination, and treatment.
Hepatitis Key Facts
There are different viruses that can cause hepatitis. The most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, and C.
- Chronic hepatitis B and C are leading causes of liver cancer in the U.S.
- Both hepatitis A and B are preventable with safe and effective vaccines.
- Hepatitis C is curable with prescribed treatment.
- Certain groups of people may be at increased risk for hepatitis A and B and may benefit from discussing vaccination options with their healthcare provider.
- About 66% of people with hepatitis B are unaware of their infection. About 40% of people living with hepatitis C do not know they are infected.
- Many adults with hepatitis A may be unaware of their infection as they may not show symptoms. Children with hepatitis A under the age of 6 often have no symptoms.
- Those with hepatitis A can still transmit the virus even if they are not showing symptoms.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about testing for hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Testing and screening during pregnancy is important for you and your baby’s health.
- Getting tested is the only way to know if you have hepatitis B or C.
- Specific laboratory testing must be performed to identify hepatitis A.
- If you are concerned about hepatitis A, please speak with a healthcare provider.
Get Involved
- Share the ABCs of Viral Hepatitis. Help others learn about the three most common types of viral hepatitis in the U.S.
- If you are a provider and offer hepatitis testing read about how to register your services through our online registry.
- Visit our website to learn more about viral hepatitis.
- Find provider-specific information and resources to share online.
Get the Word Out
Follow the Virginia Disease Prevention Hotline on Facebook. Share our posts around Hepatitis Awareness Month and National Hepatitis Testing Day. Those posts will have the following hashtags: #HepAware2024, #HepatitisAwarenessMonth, #NationalHepatitisTestingDay and #Hepatitis.
Find other info on our Facebook as well. This includes mpox and syphilis info, both of which we are seeing increased cases of in Virginia.
Got Questions?
If you or a loved one has questions about viral hepatitis, call the Disease Prevention Hotline. Reach us toll-free at (800) 533-4148. You can reach a hotline counselor any weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hotline is closed for Virginia holidays.