Hepatitis Awareness Month
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month in the U.S. We will be raising awareness of the public health impact from viral hepatitis and the
health consequences of hepatitis B and C infections if left untreated.
Globally, about 300 million people have a chronic hepatitis B infection. In the U.S. an estimated 2.4 million people are living with the disease.
Hepatitis B is often called the “silent killer,” as people often do not realize they are infected with the virus until their liver is severely damaged. Because a chronic hepatitis B infection is the most common risk factor for liver cancer, it's critical that we improve awareness on how to prevent, diagnose and treat hepatitis B.
Individuals chronically infected with hepatitis B have a 25% to 40% lifetime risk of developing liver cancer. But it's important to note that, with proper testing and treatment, people living with hepatitis B can reduce that risk and live a long and happy life.
This month we look forward to encouraging all adults in the U.S. to get tested for hepatitis B with a simple blood test, and get vaccinated with a safe and effective vaccine, if they are not yet protected or infected. Thank you for helping us bring awareness to hepatitis B this May!
Resources For Patients
The Hepatitis B Foundation has a growing number, and rich variety of resources for patients. Below is a short list you should check out!
- Hep B Community
- A global online support group.
- Physician Directory
- Find knowledgeable doctors! The Hepatitis B Foundation maintains a directory of liver specialists to help those seeking qualified medical care. These physicians agreed to be in this searchable directory because they treat chronic hepatitis B and/or liver cancer and are willing to be contacted for further information.
- B Heppy Podcast
- A podcast discussing all things hepatitis B-related. Our first episode discusses the COVID-19 vaccine and people living with hepatitis B.
- Liver Q’s Video Series on Hepatitis B
- These short video clips answer some frequently asked questions about hepatitis B.
- Clinical Trial Locator
- Volunteering for a clinical trial program can be very valuable. Expensive blood work, treatment medications, and doctor’s visits are usually provided free of charge for those accepted into a study. Clinical trials also provide the opportunity to potentially benefit from the latest advances in medical science.
Resources For Providers
- CDC’s Hepatitis Awareness Month Education Materials and Social Media Content here. [see the graphics below for social media]
- Hep B United Philadelphia’s Provider ECHO
- The goal of the Hepatitis B ECHO is to expand provider capacity at the primary care level to diagnose, treat and manage hepatitis B. Each ECHO session will include one case discussion and a 15-minute didactic aimed to empower providers to manage hepatitis B.
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