Why Hepatitis Awareness, Testing, and Vaccination Matter
Each year on July 28, healthcare organizations around the world observe World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and encourage prevention, testing, and treatment. The date was chosen to honor the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and helped develop the first hepatitis B vaccine. Today, World Hepatitis Day is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of its official global public health campaigns.
There are five main types of viral hepatitis—A, B, C, D, and E. While each affects the liver, they differ in how they spread, their severity, and the treatments available. In primary care, hepatitis A, B, and C are the types patients most commonly hear about, and hepatitis B and C account for more than one million deaths worldwide each year due to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
In recognition of World Hepatitis Day, this article focuses on hepatitis A, B, and C—how they spread, who may be at risk, and the important role that vaccination, screening, and early treatment play in protecting your health.
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. While alcohol use, certain medications, and autoimmune conditions can all cause hepatitis, viral hepatitis is caused by specific viruses that infect the liver.
The most common types of Hepatitis:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is usually spread through contaminated food or water or by close contact with someone who is infected. It causes an acute illness but does not become a chronic infection. The good news is that hepatitis A can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood or body fluids, including during childbirth, through sexual contact, or by sharing needles or other injection equipment. Some people recover completely, while others develop a chronic infection that can lead to long-term liver damage.
Routine childhood vaccination has greatly reduced hepatitis B infections, and vaccination is recommended for all infants and many adults who have not previously been immunized.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with infected blood. Many people with hepatitis C have no symptoms for years or even decades, making testing especially important. Today, highly effective treatments can cure most hepatitis C infections when diagnosed early.
Why Testing Is So Important
One of the biggest challenges with viral hepatitis is that many people don’t realize they have it.
Symptoms may be mild or absent, even while the virus is causing damage to the liver over time.
Testing allows health care providers to:
• Detect infections early
• Begin treatment when appropriate
• Help prevent liver complications
• Reduce the risk of spreading infection to others
Who Should Consider Hepatitis Testing?
Testing recommendations vary depending on the type of hepatitis and your individual risk factors, but you may benefit from testing if you:
• Were born between 1945 and 1965 (many adults in this age group have already been encouraged to receive hepatitis C screening)
• Have ever injected drugs, even once
• Received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before routine screening was implemented
• Have certain medical conditions affecting the liver
• Have been exposed to someone with hepatitis
• Are pregnant (hepatitis B screening is recommended during pregnancy)
• Have risk factors identified by your health care provider
Today, the CDC also recommends one-time hepatitis C screening for all adults ages 18 and older, with additional testing for people at ongoing risk. Your primary care provider can help determine which screenings are appropriate for you.
Can Hepatitis Be Prevented?
Yes, in many cases.
Vaccination
Safe and effective vaccines are available for:
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
These vaccines have dramatically reduced infections and remain one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family. Currently, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but effective treatments can cure most infections.
Everyday Prevention
You can also reduce your risk by:
• Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations
• Practicing safer sex
• Avoiding sharing needles or personal items that may have blood on them, such as razors or toothbrushes
• Following food and water safety recommendations when traveling internationally
Talk With Your Primary Care Provider
Many adults are unsure whether they’ve been vaccinated or if they should be screened for hepatitis.
During your next wellness visit, ask your provider:
• Am I up to date on my hepatitis vaccinations?
• Should I be screened for hepatitis B or hepatitis C?
• Do I have any risk factors that warrant testing?
These simple conversations can help identify opportunities to protect your long-term liver health.
The Bottom Line
Viral hepatitis often develops quietly, but early detection and prevention can make a significant difference.
Whether through vaccination, routine screening, or simply understanding your personal risk, taking a proactive approach today can help protect your liver for years to come.
If you have questions about hepatitis screening, vaccination, or your preventive care needs, the providers at South Tabor Family Physicians are here to help.
Helpful Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Viral Hepatitis
American Liver Foundation – Viral Hepatitis
South Tabor Family Physicians is conveniently located right off I-205 and are accepting new patients.
Call 503-261-7200 to schedule your next visit or get to know our providers here.
