World Hepatitis Day (28 July) is an opportunity to raise awareness of hepatitis and its impact. PHF Science explains the different types of hepatitis and how you can protect yourself.
Hepatitis can affect the liver quietly, sometimes over the course of years, before a person knows it is there. This year’s World Hepatitis Day asks us to break the silence, get tested and seek the right care to protect ourselves and our whānau.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by several factors, including viruses. Of the different viruses that cause hepatitis, B and C are of most concern.
Hepatitis B, C and D viruses can cause more serious illness, with the potential for chronic liver infection, liver failure or liver cancer. These viruses are transmitted through blood and body fluids, such as during sexual contact or sharing needles.
Globally, hepatitis B remains a significant public health challenge. In Aotearoa, an estimated 100,000 people live with chronic hepatitis B infection, with approximately 60% remaining undiagnosed. The disease is more common among people who were not vaccinated as children and those with a close family member with hepatitis B.
So why is hepatitis often referred to as a silent infection?
Most people with chronic hepatitis B and C have no symptoms. When you feel fine, you are less likely to seek medical advice or get tested. This means you may miss out on the support and care available, while also unknowingly passing the virus on to others.
The good news is that hepatitis B and C can be prevented, diagnosed and treated.
Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination and, while not currently curable, antiviral treatment can prevent complications. Hepatitis C does not have a vaccine, but it can be cured with a short course of antiviral treatment.
Diagnosing hepatitis is simple too. A blood test from a GP or health provider can identify whether hepatitis is present and help guide your next steps.
Detecting hepatitis B and C early is one of the best ways to help prevent these viruses from spreading to others. At PHF Science, our specialist laboratory tests help diagnostic laboratories around Aotearoa investigate viral hepatitis. Information from testing enables health providers to treat and manage people with hepatitis, keeping them and their whānau safe. Our findings also contribute to a national surveillance system, which monitors new hepatitis infections across Aotearoa.
Hepatitis can be silent, but our response does not have to be. The more we talk about it, whether with a GP or other health provider, the better chance we have of protecting whānau across Aotearoa.
If you have never been vaccinated against hepatitis B or have a family history of the virus, talk to your GP.
You can also contact the Hepatitis Foundation for advice and support on 0800 33 20 10 or through their website.