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During National Hepatitis Awareness Month in the United States in May, it is a time to promote prevention strategies while encouraging testing and treatment. Regarding hepatitis C (HCV), people need to know about the treatment revolution. In the past, HCV treatment used to include a series of drugs with adverse side effects and low cure rates. Today, HCV treatment is much better than before, with high cure rates and almost no side effects.

Given such a shift in treatment outcomes for HCV, National Hepatitis Awareness Month is more important than ever. Moreover, the message goes beyond the month. Indeed, awareness about HCV treatment and such positive treatment outcomes is a message that should be emphasized all year long. By spreading the message, we can save lives.

The Many Different Kinds of Hepatitis

Many factors lead to the various kinds of hepatitis, which refers to the inflammation of the liver. Those factors include viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, toxins, and certain medications. However, as stated above, treatment for hepatitis is improving and more effective.

Among the viral forms, the focus is on hepatitis B and C due to their potential to cause chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Indeed, hepatitis B and C are the leading causes of death from such viral infections. However, the battle against HCV is particularly significant because the disease is often asymptomatic. By the time symptoms appear, severe damage is already a reality. Indeed, hepatitis c is known as a silent killer.

As a provider of Primary Care Services, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) offers low-cost hepatitis testing and treatment. With a focus on HCV, the silent killer so often found in patient populations in drug rehabs, TTC screens all patients for risk factors and possible exposure. Thus, the goal is to ensure the silent killer is silent no more.

The History of National Hepatitis Awareness Month

Established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Hepatitis Month seeks to educate the public about these risks and the importance of early detection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a key emphasis during National Hepatitis Awareness Month is “Accelerating hepatitis C point-of-care testing to expand test-to-cure. Hepatitis C is a deadly disease. Point-of-care testing can build the bridge to life-saving treatment for those who need it.”

The origins of National Hepatitis Awareness Month trace back to the growing recognition of a public health threat. In the early 1990s, as the understanding of hepatitis C (HCV) advanced, it became evident that millions were infected. The virus’s ability to remain asymptomatic for decades is so pernicious about HCV. In response, the CDC and other health organizations began to advocate for greater awareness. The result of this advocacy was the establishment of National Hepatitis Awareness Month.

National Hepatitis Awareness Month focuses on:

1. Education and Awareness:

The primary goal is to educate the public about the different forms of hepatitis and its health risks.

1. Prevention:

Emphasizing preventive measures is a cornerstone of ongoing efforts. For example, the promotion of hepatitis A and B vaccinations, which are highly effective. For hepatitis C, there is no vaccine. Hence, prevention focuses on reducing the risk of exposure to infected blood.

1. Reducing Stigma:

People living with hepatitis often face significant discrimination. Such stigma hinders their ability to access testing and treatment. Promoting understanding and empathy reduces stigma.

1. Encouraging Testing and Treatment:

Early detection through testing is crucial. Too many people with hepatitis B or C are unaware of their infection. Chronic hepatitis often remains asymptomatic for years while silently damaging the liver. By the time symptoms appear, significant liver damage may have already occurred.

Hepatitis C Equals a Quiet and Deadly Epidemic

Often referred to as a quiet epidemic, hepatitis C is of particular concern during National Hepatitis Awareness Month. An estimated 2.4 million people (about the population of Kansas) in the United States are living with chronic hepatitis C. It is believed that a majority are undiagnosed. With HCV, the most common modes of viral transmission are the sharing of needles among people who inject drugs, inadequate sterilization of medical equipment, and transfusion of unscreened blood products.

As stated before, the long latency period is why HCV is so dangerous. Indeed, many infected individuals can remain asymptomatic for 20 to 30 years. During this time, the virus quietly damages the liver. By the time symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain appear, substantial liver damage is already present, including cirrhosis or liver cancer. This danger underscores the importance of proactive testing, especially for those born between 1945 and 1965, a cohort known to have higher rates of HCV infection.

The Importance of Being Tested for Hepatitis C

It is essential to understand that testing for hepatitis C is a straightforward blood test to check for HCV antibodies. If the antibody test is positive, further testing is done to determine if the virus is currently active. Early detection through testing is crucial because it allows for timely medical intervention. Tarzana Treatment Centers offers HCV testing at all our primary clinics. Moreover, getting tested during National Hepatitis Awareness Month makes sense. A simple blood test often saves lives.

Moreover, the advent of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications has revolutionized hepatitis C treatment, offering a cure rate of over 95% with a relatively short treatment duration. These medications are highly effective and can prevent the progression of liver disease, thereby improving the quality of life and reducing healthcare costs associated with long-term liver complications.

Testing = A National Hepatitis Awareness Month Priority

Despite these advances, numerous barriers to widespread testing and treatment remain. Stigma and lack of awareness continue to hinder widespread testing efforts. Additionally, there are disparities in access to healthcare, with marginalized populations being disproportionately affected by hepatitis C. Hence, these populations have less access to testing and treatment services. TTC makes the treatment of these populations an ongoing priority.

National Hepatitis Awareness Month is a vital reminder of the importance of hepatitis education, prevention, and testing. The focus on hepatitis C highlights the need for increased awareness and proactive health measures to combat this quiet epidemic. By promoting testing, enhancing access to treatment, and addressing the barriers that impede healthcare, we can make significant strides in reducing the burden of hepatitis C and improving public health outcomes. Together, let us commit to raising awareness, encouraging testing, and supporting those affected by hepatitis in our communities.