Millions of Americans live with chronic hepatitis, but the majority don’t know it. Hepatitis Awareness Month is a month dedicated to raising awareness of hepatitis and encouraging people to find out their status.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by alcohol abuse, toxins, some medications, and other infections. This silent killer is most commonly caused by the viruses Hepatitis B and C through sexual contact or contact with blood and other bodily fluids.
While people don’t experience symptoms, if left undetected, the virus can cause serious health complications, such as liver disease, liver cancer, liver failure, and even death. The first step in treating and preventing the spread of hepatitis is to get tested.
How Do I Get Tested?
Getting tested for hepatitis is the best way to take control of your health and combat the spread of the virus. Visit your doctor to have blood drawn from your arm and sent to the lab for testing. The results will indicate whether you are negative or positive for hepatitis. If you test positive, speak to your doctor about the next steps you should take.
The conversation about hepatitis shouldn’t stop after Hepatitis Awareness Month. If you would like to get tested or learn more about the different types of hepatitis, contact our office.
