DID YOU KNOW THAT

 

-335,000 Australians are living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Without treatment, these viruses can cause liver disease and liver cancer - the fastest growing cause of cancer death in Australia.

 

‘With greater community awareness and action, we now have the chance to eliminate Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Australia by 2030,’ according to CEO of Hepatitis Australia, Carrie Fowlie.

 

‘The great news is that hepatitis C is now curable with fast, effective and low-cost medications with minimal side effects. For Hepatitis B, there are also vaccinations and effective treatments available.’ said Ms Fowlie.

 

‘Greater community awareness and action mean we now have the chance to eliminate hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Australia by 2030,’ said Ms Fowlie.

 

-This year, the theme for World Hepatitis Day is Hepatitis Can’t Wait, highlighting the urgency of taking action against viral hepatitis.

 

-In Australia scientists estimate that 1 in 5 living with chronic hepatitis C have not been diagnosed.

 

-More than 70% of people living with chronic hepatitis B are not receiving regular care.

 

Ms Fowlie said that ‘many people think that these viruses don’t affect them, but frequently people live with them for a long time and don’t know it. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C often don’t make people feel sick until they have already caused a lot of liver damage.’

 

-Most people get hepatitis B at birth or as a young child, but can also be exposed to it through blood-to-blood contact or sex without a condom.

 

-Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact.

 

-Getting tested is easy by asking your doctor for a hepatitis blood test.

 

For more information about hepatitis B and hepatitis C, download the World Hepatitis Day factsheet, visit the Hepatitis Australia website, or call the National Hepatitis Infoline on 1800 437 222.

 

For more information on World Hepatitis Day including events, visit the World Hepatitis Day website.

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