World Hepatitis Day — I've Been Vaccinated Against the B Strain of This Virus. What Else Should I Do?

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ᴡⁿ ᡗᢦᡐᡉ˒ α΅’αΆ  αΆœΛ‘αΆ¦α΅α΅ƒα΅—α΅‰ α΅‰α΅α΅‰Κ³α΅α΅‰βΏαΆœΚΈ https://climateclock.world/

Every year on July 28, the world marks World Hepatitis Day - a time to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, a group of infectious diseases that still claim over 1 million lives annually. Hepatitis B and C are especially dangerous, as they often go undiagnosed for years and can silently lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

I took a major step: I got vaccinated against hepatitis B. But that's only part of the picture. So here's what else I've learned that we all should consider doing next:

πŸ§ͺ 1. Get Tested for Hepatitis C (HCV)

Unlike hepatitis B, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. It's known as the "silent epidemic" because many people don't show symptoms until liver damage is advanced.

  • A simple blood test can tell you if you've ever been infected.

  • If you test positive, highly effective treatments can now cure hepatitis C in over 95% of cases.

  • One-time testing is recommended for everyone, especially if:

    • You were born between 1965 and 1980.

    • You had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1993.

    • You've ever injected drugs or had unsafe piercings/tattoos.

    • You've had unprotected sex with a partner whose status you didn't know.

πŸ’‰ 2. Consider the Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A spreads via contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. While it usually doesn't become chronic, it can cause severe illness and even death in adults with other liver problems.

You may want to get vaccinated if:

  • You travel to countries with high rates of hepatitis A.

  • You have a chronic liver condition.

  • You work with children or in food service.

πŸƒ 3. Take Care of Your Liver

Even without viral hepatitis, liver damage can come from other sources:

  • Limit alcohol - or avoid it entirely.

  • Be mindful of over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (paracetamol), which in high doses can damage the liver.

  • Maintain a healthy weight to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

  • Avoid contact with others' blood or bodily fluids if you work in healthcare or first aid.

πŸ‘©‍⚕️ 4. Schedule Regular Health Checkups

Especially if you belong to a higher-risk group or have a family history of liver disease, ask your doctor to include liver function tests (LFTs) and viral screening as part of your routine care.

✨ Final Thoughts

Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B is a powerful step - and you've done it! But the fight against hepatitis isn't over until we all have access to testing, treatment, and prevention. One life. One liver. Protect both.

On this World Hepatitis Day, let's share knowledge, challenge stigma, and encourage everyone to take control of their health - because early detection saves lives.

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