Are you number 12?
One in 12 people worldwide are living with chronic Hepatitis B or C, making the virus more prevalent than any cancer. Despite this, most people know little about the serious disease.
This week is National Hepatitis Awareness Week (17-23 May) and as part of this week the Viral Hepatitis Clinical Service at
In the Hunter New England Health Area region 549 people in 2009 reported to be living with Hepatitis C compared with 388 people in 2008 making it essential that people take the time to learn more about the disease.
Hunter New England Health Hepatology Nurse Practitioner Tracey Jones said Hepatitis simply means liver inflammation.
“There are five different viruses that cause hepatitis including A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic and cause long term illnesses including liver disease,” Ms Jones said.
“Most adults who become infected with Hepatitis B recover, however in a small percentage of cases, chronic infection may lead to scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and liver cancer.
“The long-term implications of Hepatitis C also include cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer and is the leading cause of liver transplants in
Ms Jones said thousands of people are unaware they are infected with hepatitis and may be unknowingly spreading hepatitis which is why it’s important for everyone to understand how to prevent becoming infected.
“The most effective way of preventing the spread of Hepatitis B is through vaccination,” Ms Jones said.
“Unlike Hepatitis B there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, so avoiding exposure is the only way to stop the spread of the virus.”
Ms Jones said the Hepatitis B virus is found in bodily fluids such as blood, saliva and semen, and the Hepatitis C virus is carried in the blood and spread through blood-to-blood contact.
“Both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can be spread from mother to baby during childbirth, by sharing items such as razors, toothbrushes and injecting equipment, and through unsterile body piercing and tattooing equipment,” Ms Jones said.
“Hepatitis B may also be transmitted during breastfeeding and sexual intercourse.”
Ms Jones said because hepatitis is often associated with injecting drug use, the perceived social stigma associated with the virus can prevent people from accessing treatment.
“This perception is incorrect – hepatitis affects people from all walks of life,” Ms Jones said.
“People who think they may be at risk of hepatitis should talk to their healthcare provider about treatment options.”
Contact: Sharna McCarthy
Phone: 4921 4501