May is Hepatitis Awareness Month



The month of May is designated as Hepatitis Awareness Month in the United States, and May 19th is Hepatitis Testing Day.  During the month of May, learn more about viral hepatitis prevention, diagnosis and treatment @ https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/resources/index.htm & https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/index.htm .

Viral Hepatitis Key Facts

  • There are several different viruses that can cause hepatitis; the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
  • Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C are leading causes of liver cancer in the United States.
  • Both hepatitis A and hepatitis B are preventable with safe and effective vaccines, and hepatitis C is curable with prescribed treatment.
  • CDC recommends all adults through age 59 and adults age 60 or older with risk factors get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. If you are age 60 or older and do not have risk factors, you may choose to get vaccinated.
  • About 66% of people with hepatitis B are unaware of their infection and about 40% of people living with hepatitis C do not know they are infected.
  • CDC recommends all adults get tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime and pregnant women get tested during each pregnancy. Getting tested is the only way to know if you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C.