Hepatitis Awareness Month (May, 2022)

Key Facts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Several different viruses can cause hepatitis; however, most common strains are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
• Chronic hepatitis B and C are the leading causes of liver cancer in the US.
• About 66% of people with hepatitis B, and 40% of people with hepatitis C, are unaware they are infected.
  • Both hepatitis A and B are preventable with safe and effective vaccines, and hepatitis C is curable when prescribed treatment.

Hepatitis Awareness Month

The purpose of Hepatitis Awareness Month is to bring awareness to vaccines and treatments of hepatitis infections as well as promoting National Hepatitis Testing Day, which is May 18^th.

According to National Today, another goal of Hepatitis Awareness Month is to help dismiss social stigma while explaining truths about hepatitis. For example, did you know that hepatitis is not always related to bad habits? In fact, some strains of hepatitis are spread through contaminated food or water. Also, many believe hepatitis is genetic. This is untrue; however, hepatitis B can be transmitted from mother to baby, which is why pregnant women should be tested.

We hope you’ll join District Health Department #10 (DHD#10), the CDC, and National Today in raising awareness about the viruses that cause hepatitis, the vaccines and treatments available, and helping to dismiss the stigma about hepatitis.

Quick Links

CDC Hepatitis Awareness Month
National Today Hepatitis Awareness Month
DHD#10 Families Immunizations Info
DHD#10 Men and Women Immunizations Info
DHD#10 Teens Immunization Info