Your liver works around the clock to help keep your body healthy. It filters your blood, processes nutrients, fights infections, and helps remove toxins. But certain diseases, including viral hepatitis, can damage the liver over time, sometimes without causing noticeable symptoms.
Observed each year on July 28, World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to learn about viral hepatitis, understand your risk, and take steps to protect your liver health.
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. While it can have different causes, viral hepatitis is one of the most common. The five main hepatitis viruses are A, B, C, D, and E, but hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common in the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that hepatitis A is usually a short-term illness, while hepatitis B and hepatitis C can become chronic infections that increase the risk of liver disease, liver failure, or liver cancer if left untreated.
Why Early Detection Matters
One of the biggest challenges with hepatitis is that many people do not know they have it. Chronic hepatitis B and C often develop without symptoms, sometimes for years.
As liver damage progresses, symptoms may begin to appear, including:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark-colored urine
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Because symptoms may not develop right away, screening plays an important role in identifying hepatitis early, when treatment can be most effective.
Who Should Consider Getting Tested?
The CDC recommends hepatitis C screening for all adults at least once in their lifetime, as well as for every pregnancy. People with ongoing risk factors may need additional testing. Hepatitis B screening is also recommended for certain groups at increased risk of infection.
If you’re unsure whether you should be tested, talk with your healthcare provider.
Can Hepatitis Be Prevented?
Many cases of viral hepatitis can be prevented, and some ways to reduce your risk include:
- Staying up to date on recommended hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations.
- Washing your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
- Avoiding sharing needles or personal items that may come into contact with blood, such as razors or toothbrushes.
- Practicing safer sex.
- Following food and water safety recommendations when traveling.
Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
World Hepatitis Day is a reminder that knowledge and prevention go hand in hand. Learning your risk, staying current on recommended vaccinations, and talking with your healthcare provider about screening can help detect hepatitis early and reduce the risk of serious liver disease.
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At UMC, our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call (915) 521-7979 today to schedule an appointment or visit umcelpaso.org to learn more.
