Today we mark World Hepatitis Day, an international awareness day observed on 28th July each year to highlight viral hepatitis, infections that cause inflammation of the liver, including hepatitis B and C, and to encourage prevention, testing and treatment.
Why this matters for our health?Viral hepatitis can quietly damage the liver over many years, leading to cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer if undiagnosed and untreated. The NHS is committed to identifying and treating hepatitis B and C early so people can access care that prevents serious harm and improves long term outcomes.
Prevention & early action…• Hepatitis B vaccination is part of the NHS childhood schedule and is recommended for people at higher risk — it helps protect against lifelong infection and its complications.
• Testing for hepatitis B and C is free on the NHS through your GP, sexual health clinic or routine blood tests, and early diagnosis opens the door to treatment and care that can limit liver damage and reduce transmission.
World Hepatitis Day is a reminder to:• Think about your liver health and risk factors.
• Ask your GP about hepatitis testing if you’ve never been tested or are at higher risk.
• Encourage friends and family to know the facts, early diagnosis saves lives.
Learn more about World Hepatitis Day and how you can get involved: https://www.worldhepatitisday.org/
