Let’s Break It Down
28 July 2026 is World Hepatitis Day. This year’s theme is “Let’s break it down”.
Many people find hepatitis confusing. Some people do not know they have it. Others are not sure where to get help.
Let’s break it down.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a disease that affects the liver. It can be caused by viruses, alcohol, some medicine or chemicals. When hepatitis is caused by a virus, it is called viral hepatitis. The most common types are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C. Of these, hepatitis B and hepatitis C can become chronic (long term) infections. Over time, some chronic hepatitis can cause serious liver damage, liver failure, or liver cancer.
Many people with chronic hepatitis feel healthy and have no symptoms for many years. This is why testing is so important.
Hepatitis around the world
Around 287 million people worldwide are living with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
Hepatitis in Australia
In Australia:
• More than 227,000 people are living with chronic hepatitis B.
• More than 62,000 people are living with chronic hepatitis C.
• Over 30% of people with chronic hepatitis B do not know they have it.
• More than 70% of people with chronic hepatitis B are not having regular liver check-ups as recommended.
• Many people with chronic hepatitis B were born overseas.
Chronic hepatitis B: It can be managed
There is no cure for hepatitis B yet, but it can be managed well. This means people with chronic hepatitis B need to see their doctor regularly for liver check-ups, including blood tests, ultrasounds for some groups at increased risk of liver cancer, and FibroScans. Treatment may also be needed for some people.
Please remember that not everyone with chronic hepatitis B needs hepatitis B treatment, but everyone needs regular liver check-ups, even if they feel well. There is no such thing as a health carrier
Hepatitis B prevention
There is a vaccine that can prevent hepatitis B. If you are not sure whether you have been vaccinated or protected, ask your doctor for a hepatitis B blood test.
If you were born in a country where hepatitis B is common, or live with someone who has hepatitis B, you may receive free hepatitis B vaccine, details can be found here: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/immunisation/hepatitis-b.
Chronic hepatitis C: It can be cured
The good news is that chronic hepatitis C can be cured.
Treatment:
• Is taken as tablets.
• Usually lasts 8 to 12 weeks.
• Can be prescribed by a GP or Nurse Practitioner.
• Starts with a specific hepatitis C blood test.
A cure greatly reduces the risk of liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.
As there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, it is important to avoid blood contact.
Need help?
The Love Health Program at ECCQ can help you:
• Understand hepatitis B and hepatitis C through free community education and information
• Access testing – we provide free hepatitis B and C screening
• Access support – we provide free support for people with chronic hepatitis B or C and their families
• Access free Fibroscan – with your doctor’s referral
Our bilingual community health workers can provide information and support in your language.
For more information, contact:
Email: [email protected]
Information in different languages is available at:
www.eccq.com.au/bbv
