Friday, July 25, 2014
Grey Bruce Health Unit
World Hepatitis Day – July 28: Know your status? Get tested.
Know your status? Get tested. is the message for World Hepatitis Day, July 28. Hepatitis affects over 500 million people worldwide. In Canada, over half a million people have viral hepatitis, with many unaware of their status and unknowingly spreading the disease to others.
The three most common types of hepatitis in Canada are hepatitis A, B and C. Locally, in 2013, the Grey Bruce Health Unit reported no cases of hepatitis A, 3 cases of hepatitis B and 54 cases of hepatitis C. Individuals with past high-risk lifestyle choices are at an increase risk of having hepatitis and can carry the virus for years and not know. If you think this may be you, then is important to get tested.
Hepatitis A is spread from drinking untreated water and eating contaminated foods. Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood, sexual fluids, saliva or other bodily fluids containing blood of an infected person. Hepatitis C is spread through contact with infected blood. Hepatitis B and C can cause long-term infection known as chronic hepatitis. One in twelve people worldwide are infected with viral hepatitis B or C. If left untreated, chronic hepatitis can lead to life-threatening complications such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Many individuals with viral hepatitis do not experience any obvious signs and symptoms until years later when liver damage has occurred.
The best way to prevent hepatitis A and B is to get vaccinated. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C and therefore it is important to reduce the risk of exposure. Risks include sharing needles or personal items such as razors and toothbrushes or receiving services from uninspected aesthetics, piercing, and tattooing settings. Blood products received before 1992 or accidental injury from a needle stick are also means of exposure to hepatitis C. If you think you may be at risk, get tested. Early diagnosis and treatment is key. To get tested, see your doctor or contact Public Health.
For more information on hepatitis, see our fact sheets:
Or call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456.
Media Contact:
Kelly Maxwell
Public Health Nurse
Grey Bruce Health Unit
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext 1257
k.maxwell@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
|