Sunday, May 19, is Hepatitis Testing Day. Hepatitis can be caused by substance use, alcohol, or viruses. Viral hepatitis includes Hepatitis A, B, and C.
CDC encourages all adults in the U.S. to get tested for Hepatitis B and C at least once in their lifetimes. RHHD Epidemiologist Senior Louise Lockett Gordon explains why viral hepatitis testing should matter to all of us:
- Hepatitis is the inflammation of a vital organ: your liver. Louise calls the liver “a cleaning powerhouse for the body. And we only have one, so protecting it is important.” Hepatitis can cause serious liver disease, and some cases can lead to liver cancer.
- Viral hepatitis can spread from a birthing parent to the infant. Infants born with a Hepatitis B infection have a 90% chance of developing a chronic version of the disease. If a pregnant person tests positive for Hepatitis B, their medical team can prepare to reduce the chance of the virus passing to the baby.
- Not everyone with viral hepatitis will have symptoms. While Louise calls jaundice—the yellowing of eyes and skin —and clay-colored school “telltale symptoms,” as many as 1 in 2 people with Hepatitis B do not know they’re infected. Getting tested for Hepatitis B and C is important so that people who are infected can take steps to prevent the virus passing to other people.
- Testing is also important because once an infection is found, it may lead to treatment and resolving the illness. Louise has seen huge strides in treatment for Hepatitis C during her time in public health.
Louise encourages people who haven’t yet been screened for viral hepatitis or who are at additional risk for contracting the Hepatitis B or C to consult a medical provider about testing options (check out more on that below!)
For more information about the differences between Hepatitis A, B, and C, and to find testing and treatment options in Virginia, visit VDH’s Viral Hepatitis page. And even though May 19 focuses on testing, vaccination against Hepatitis A and B are still the best ways to prevent these infections. Visit the CDC’s “What is Hepatitis?” page for information about who should be vaccinated and when.
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