May is Hepatitis Awareness Month

In May, Californians across the state are mobilizing to take action against viral hepatitis during Hepatitis Awareness Month and in preparation for World Hepatitis Day, May 19.

Hepatitis A, B, and C are caused by separate viruses that attack the liver and are transmitted in different ways.

• Hepatitis A is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water, which may be due to poor hand washing, but can also be transmitted through oral-anal sex with an infected person.
  
• Hepatitis B (and in some cases hepatitis C) is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected individual.
  
• Hepatitis B and C are transmitted by direct contact with blood through sharing syringes (or other drug using equipment) with an infected person and can be passed from a mother to her newborn child before or during birth.
  
• Hepatitis B and C may also be transmitted through sharing personal items such as razors with someone who is infected.

VIRAL HEPATITIS IMPACTS MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN
OF ALL RACES, ETHNICITIES, AND CULTURES

Vaccines to protect against hepatitis A and hepatitis B infection are safe and highly effective. Unfortunately, no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection is currently available. Many people with hepatitis B or C do not know they are infected.

To help inform your community about the ABCs of hepatitis, the risk factors, and getting tested, link to http://www.stdhivtraining.org/material_swap.html and type in hepatitis in the Text box.  Review the variety of resource materials available in several languages and print those that best suit your population.

For more hepatitis information, visit the following websites:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Fact sheets, guidelines, Information on hepatitis A, B, and C for the public and for health professionals.

California Department of Public Health Office of Viral Hepatitis Prevention (NEW!)
News, fact sheets, service links, statistics, provider guidelines, and information about CDPH viral hepatitis prevention efforts.

National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable
Free postcards, posters, logos, and materials for World Hepatitis Day.

California Hepatitis Alliance
Policy briefs, fact sheets, and a county-by-county map of hepatitis services.

Asian Liver Center
Information to raise awareness about hepatitis B and liver disease in the Asian and Pacific Islander community.

Hepatitis C Support Project
News, fact sheets, educational materials, and a list of hepatitis C support groups.