Last Updated: July 29, 2024
RICHMOND, VA —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) share hepatitis facts and safety tips to commemorate World Hepatitis Day on July 28.
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can affect liver function and can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is most often caused by a virus. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
“On World Hepatitis Day, take a stand for your health and the health of others: get vaccinated, get tested, and seek treatment,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Senior Epidemiologist Courtney Ayers. “Your proactive steps today can lead to a brighter, healthier future.”
According to VDH data on communicable diseases, hepatitis C and B are in the top five most reported conditions in Virginia (excluding COVID-19) over the last five years. In Virginia, students are required to complete the hepatitis B vaccination series as part of routine school immunizations. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Many people who become infected with hepatitis B or C do not experience symptoms and are unaware that they have the virus. The CDC advises that for hepatitis C there are oral medications (pills) available called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) that are easy to take, have very few side effects, and cure more than 95% of people in just 8–12 weeks.
Individuals can reduce their risk of getting sick by taking the following precautions:
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Get tested – all adults 18 years and older should be screened for hepatitis B and C at least once in their lifetime.
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Avoid sharing or reusing needles, syringes or any other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs, steroids, hormones, or other substances.
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Avoid using personal items that may have come into contact with an infected person’s blood, even in amounts too small to see, such as glucose monitors, razors, nail clippers, or toothbrushes.
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Avoid getting tattoos or body piercings from an unlicensed facility or in an informal setting.
Individuals can receive vaccines for hepatitis A and B and can be screened for hepatitis B or C at their health care provider or at any of RHHD’s clinics. For more information about RHHD clinical services and to schedule an appointment, call (804) 205-3501. Individuals can also find a testing site at the following link: CDC testing site locator.
Please visit the World Hepatitis Day website for more information.
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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sister public health agencies serving our connected communities. Our mission is to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs.