World Hepatitis Day

WORLD HEPATITIS DAY

Monday July 28 was World Hepatitis Day. It’s a day not made for celebration, but rather a day for spreading awareness. If you’re in the mood for some jazz-crooning finger-puppeteering that gives you the lowdown on hepatitis, please enjoy this video by The World Hepatitis Alliance:

World Hepatitis Day’s website gives an alarming statistic: Viral hepatitis kills 1.5 million people worldwide each year. That’s as many people as HIV / AIDS.What is Hepatitis?Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver; it most commonly caused by the hepatitis virus, but can also be caused by toxic substances such as alcohol, certain drugs, and autoimmune diseases.Five main types of the hepatitis are the greatest concern because of their increased potential for widespread outbreaks. These five types are known as A, B, C, D, and E, with the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer being B and C.Hepatitis A and E are generally caused by contaminated food and water entering the body. The Hepatitis B, C and D viruses are commonly transmitted by receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted from family member to child or by sexual contact.What goes on during World Hepatitis Day?Fundraisers and awareness events take place all over the globe with the hope to create real change in disease prevention and access to testing and treatment. 1 in 12 people are living with Hepatitis B or C alone. What can you do to help? Grab your phone (we already know it’s nearby ) and join the movement. It’s not too late…Visit World Hepatitis Alliance to see events going on near you or join the conversation on social media using #thinkhepatitis on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.