A time for Action
The 28th of July is World Hepatitis Day. Chronic Hepatitis is a liver condition and can lead to liver damage and liver cancer. Worldwide it is a health problem with over 300 million people living with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C, the two most common chronic hepatitis in the world Here in Australia, that number is nearly 300,000 people. Now it is the time to consider:
1. Getting tested. Ask your GP to check for hepatitis B and hepatitis C – a simple specific blood test.
2. Get protected – get vaccinated. If you do not have hepatitis B you can get vaccinated. Ask your GP to check your immunity first. People who had an acute hepatitis B infection in the past and cleared the virus develop immunity for life and they do not need vaccination.
3. Get regular check-ups. If you have chronic hepatitis B you will need to get your liver checked every six months – usually through blood tests and a liver ultrasound. It is also recommended to check for liver damage every 12 months– you can ask your GP for a Fibroscan. At ECCQ, we provide free Fibroscans for migrants including people who do not have a Medicare Card.
4. Get treated. Not all people living with chronic hepatitis B need treatment, but some people do – your doctor or nurse practitioner will let you know when you need it. Therefore, regular check-ups are very important.
If you have chronic hepatitis C – you can get treated and cured within 3 months– treatment is easy with minimal side effects. However, people who have successfully been cured of hepatitis C can be reinfected, therefore it is very important to avoid blood contact.
5. Get on with living. Chronic Hepatitis B or hepatitis C cannot stop you from being able to work or study or get married and have children. You can live a normal life like anyone else. Social contact such as sharing food will not transmit hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Always avoid other people’s blood.
6. Get informed. Misinformation and lack of knowledge are the roots for stigma. It’s time to eliminate stigma and discrimination against people living with hepatitis. For more information go to www.eccq.com.au/bbv
