Hepatitis Awareness Month
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month and the American Liver Foundation urges everyone to learn what can be done to prevent the spread of hepatitis. Many forms of hepatitis are preventable and can be treated if detected early.
Did you know you can take action to prevent hepatitis? The American Liver Foundation is dedicated to facilitating, advocating, and promoting education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.
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. A vaccine is available. 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 by visiting our Hep C Information Center.
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.
Learn more about the A’s, B’s, and C’s of Viral Hepatitis by visiting the CDC information center.
Learn more about Hepatitis C by watching our video playlist, starting with a disease overview by National Medical Advisor Dr. Nancy Reau
Last Updated on April 29, 2022
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