Why Is World Hepatitis Day Important for Everyone in the United States?
Observed every July 28, World Hepatitis Day matters to everyone because viral hepatitis can affect people who feel healthy. The observance raises awareness, encourages testing, fights stigma, and reminds communities that early treatment can prevent liver damage and save lives.
Hepatitis C Can Remain Hidden for Years
An inflammation of the liver, hepatitis C is called a silent killer in the medical community. Hepatitis C (HCV) deserves special attention because infection often produces no obvious symptoms. Someone can live with the virus for years while liver damage progresses silently. Therefore, testing is the only reliable way to know whether a person has hepatitis C.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains: “Most people who get infected will develop a chronic, or lifelong, infection. Left untreated, chronic hepatitis C can cause serious health problems including liver disease, liver failure, liver cancer, and even death. Chronic hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer and the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States.”
Hepatitis C spreads through contact with infected blood, including microscopic amounts. Current or former injection drug use can increase risk, even if it occurred only once or many years ago. Other exposures include blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992.
World Hepatitis Day Turns Awareness Into Action
The message of World Hepatitis Day is hopeful: hepatitis C is detectable and curable. The CDC recommends testing for all adults, all pregnant women during every pregnancy, and anyone with ongoing risk factors. A blood test can identify antibodies to the virus. A positive result leads to an HCV RNA test that determines whether there is a current infection.
Today, oral medications cure more than 95% of people with hepatitis C, usually in 8 to 12 weeks. However, people cannot benefit from treatment until they know their status.
Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) connects prevention, testing, and care across Los Angeles County. As TTC states, “TTC’s medical teams specialize in assessing for and treating Hepatitis C.”
TTC screens patients for exposure risks and offers rapid testing to those at risk. Patients with positive results receive counseling, confirmatory testing, and treatment referrals. Please protect yourself and your family and arrange to get tested today.
As TTC’s coverage of National Hepatitis Awareness Month and the battle against hepatitis C emphasizes, awareness must continue throughout the year.
World Hepatitis Day reminds us that a simple conversation and test can save a life.
World Hepatitis Day FAQs
Why is World Hepatitis Day observed on July 28?
It unites people worldwide around hepatitis education, prevention, testing, treatment, and eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat.
Can hepatitis C be cured?
Yes. Modern oral medications cure more than 95% of patients, typically within 8 to 12 weeks.
Where can I find hepatitis C testing and treatment in Los Angeles County?
Learn about TTC’s Hep C testing and treatment services or call (888) 777-8565 for help finding a location.