7/28 is World Hepatitis Day 2019!

#WorldHepatitisDay is Sunday, July 28th. This year’s theme is “Find the Missing Millions” because 9 of 10 people living with Viral Hepatitis around the globe don’t even know they have it! Help raise awareness on this important day, and learn more about the prevalence of viral hepatitis around the world, as well as actions that can be taken to remove the barriers that stand in the way of higher diagnosis rates! Check out the resources below, then visit the World Hepatitis Day site for more information!

What is Hepatitis?

The word ‘hepatitis’ means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, heavy alcohol use, bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis

What is Viral Hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

Up to 5.3 million Americans have chronic Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection. About 75% of the infected population are unaware that they are even infected.

Hepatitis A (HAV)

A vaccine is available for Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

About 1.2 million people are living with chronic Hepatitis B. HBV is spread through blood and body fluids.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

If left untreated, Hepatitis C can be life threatening. Learn about risk factors, symptoms and treatment options and enroll in the ALF’s Hep C 123 program. Once enrolled you will receive updates and information on everything relating to Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D (AKA “Delta Hepatitis”)

Hepatitis D is a short-term, “double infection” that can only occur in someone also infected with Hepatitis B.

What is autoimmune hepatitis?

Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the liver and causes it to become inflamed. The disease is chronic, meaning it lasts many years. If untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.

Take Action

Visit the Official World Hepatitis Day Website

Share ALF posts leading up to and on World Hepatitis Day (July 28th) using the hashtags #WorldHepatitisDay and #FindtheMissingMillions

Join our mailing list to get connected with ALF

Get inspired by reading stories from people in the liver community just like you!

Share your own experience on our Faces of Liver Disease page!

Check out our upcoming events for WHD activities near you! (Facebook login required)

Resources

American Liver Foundation Disease Information Pages

American Liver Foundation Hepatitis C Resource Page (formerly Hep C 123)

American Liver Foundation Helpline- 9am ET-7pm ET, Mon-Fri
Phone: 1-800-GO-LIVER (465-4837)
Chat: Start a conversation by scrolling down to the red “Have a question?” box at the bottom of our homepage.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention Viral Hepatitis Site