Why Hepatitis Awareness Month Matters: What You Need to Know
Each May, Hepatitis Awareness Month draws attention to a serious yet often overlooked health issue that affects millions worldwide, including many in the United States. The national observance is a valuable opportunity to raise awareness, encourage testing, and support efforts to prevent and treat hepatitis A, B, and C.
An estimated 2.4 million people in the US live with hepatitis C, yet many don’t know they are infected. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Hepatitis B and C together are responsible for more than 1 million deaths per year worldwide.
Keep reading to learn more about Hepatitis, Hepatitis Awareness Month, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, often caused by a virus. There are several types of hepatitis viruses, but the most common in the US are:
- Hepatitis A: Often spread through contaminated food or water.
- Hepatitis B: Spread through contact with infected bodily fluids.
- Hepatitis C: Mostly transmitted through blood-to-blood contact.
Each form of hepatitis affects the liver differently, and some can become chronic and lead to serious complications like liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.
The Hidden Danger of Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infections, including Hepatitis A, B, and C. What makes hepatitis especially dangerous is how quietly it can affect the body. Many people with chronic hepatitis B or C may live for years without symptoms, only to discover the infection once serious liver damage has occurred.
Early detection can make a life-changing difference. Hepatitis C, for instance, is now curable with modern antiviral treatments. Hepatitis B can be managed effectively with medication, and hepatitis A and B can be prevented with vaccines. However, none of this is possible if people remain unaware of their status.
Who’s at Risk?
You might be at risk for hepatitis and not know it. Risk factors include:
- Sharing needles or drug equipment
- Unprotected sex with an infected partner
- Birth to an infected mother (especially for hepatitis B)
- Traveling to countries where hepatitis A or B is common
- Having certain medical conditions like HIV
Hepatitis Symptoms
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, and its symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the type and stage of progression. You may feel unusually tired, lose your appetite, or experience persistent nausea, similar to a stomach bug that persists. Some people feel pain or discomfort on the right side of their abdomen, near the liver, and may notice that their urine looks darker than usual.
One of the more visible signs is jaundice, which causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to yellow. The tricky part is that hepatitis doesn’t always show apparent symptoms early on, so if you’re feeling “off” in a way you can’t explain, it’s wise to check in with your doctor.
The Good News?
You can often prevent, manage, or cure hepatitis by taking proactive steps. Simple blood tests can detect infection before symptoms even appear.
Vaccines are available for certain types, like hepatitis A and B, offering strong protection when administered early. Practicing safe hygiene, avoiding risky behaviors such as sharing needles or unprotected sex, and getting regular medical checkups can also reduce your risk. If you receive a diagnosis, you can manage the condition effectively by starting antiviral medications early and making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol.
In some cases, especially with hepatitis C, treatment can eliminate the virus from your body, leading to a cure. Taking charge of your liver health through awareness and action makes a real difference.
The CDC recommends routine testing in order to stay on top of your health.
How You Can Make a Difference
- Get tested and encourage your loved ones to do the same.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccination.
- Support awareness campaigns in your community or social media using hashtags like #HepAware and #HepatitisAwarenessMonth.
Awareness Breaks Barriers
Hepatitis is often called a silent epidemic, but it doesn’t have to be. We can save lives and protect our communities by increasing awareness, expanding testing, and improving access to care.
Hepatitis Awareness Month is a time to break down the barriers of stigma and misinformation. Many people associate hepatitis with certain lifestyles or behaviors and may be reluctant to get tested due to shame or fear of judgment. By promoting open conversations and education, this month helps normalize testing and encourages people to seek care without guilt or fear.
It also highlights the populations most affected by hepatitis, including people who inject drugs, specific immigrant communities, baby boomers, and others. Awareness efforts can tailor support and resources to these communities, reducing the health disparities that hepatitis often exposes.
Public Health Starts With You
Testing for hepatitis is quick, easy, and, in many cases, free or low-cost. During Hepatitis Awareness Month, health departments and clinics often offer expanded access to testing, educational events, and outreach campaigns. It’s the perfect time to get tested or encourage loved ones to do the same.
Knowing your hepatitis status empowers you to protect your liver health, prevent disease transmission to others, and connect with care if needed.
A Month That Can Change Lives
This month matters because the toll of undiagnosed hepatitis is high, but it doesn’t have to be. With today’s tools, we can eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat. But it starts with awareness. It begins with talking about it. And it starts with each of us taking action.
So this May, let’s shine a light on hepatitis. Let’s fight the stigma, support one another, and get tested. Because awareness isn’t just knowledge — it’s power.
MyAlly Health offers free rapid Hepatitis C testing using a simple fingerstick. The test is quick and minimally invasive — just a small poke, and your results are ready in minutes.
At MyAlly Health, we understand the importance of your sexual health and how it can impact your overall well-being. We offer several vaccinations at our clinic, including influenza, hepatitis A and B, meningococcal disease, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment to get vaccinated, reach out to us today!.
We also offer STI testing and treatment, and annual examinations, including physicals, wellness checks, and mental health screenings, to promote your overall well-being. You can also receive Pap smears to test for cervical cancer and Gardasil vaccinations to protect you from HPV infections.
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MyAlly Health offers education, counseling, advocacy, and healthcare services to empower and engage individuals in their well-being and reproductive health. Find out more about what we do, help make a difference by donating to our cause, or schedule an appointment with us today.