Last month we celebrated World Hepatitis Day. At Charlton Health, we are pleased to provide treatment for Hepatitis C and wanted to share more information about this virus.
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, often caused by a viral infection. The most common types of hepatitis are A, B, C, D, and E. The goal is to reduce new hepatitis cases by 90% and reduce deaths by 65% by 2030. Hepatitis B and C are the most serious, causing the most deaths and health complications.
Testing for hepatitis is very important because many people with the virus don’t have symptoms right away. Usually, hepatitis is found through blood tests. Sadly, over 80% of people with hepatitis can’t get tested or treated, especially in low-income countries. For hepatitis C, it is advised that every adult gets tested at least once, pregnant people get tested with each new pregnancy, and anyone with risk factors gets tested.
There are effective treatments for hepatitis C that can cure over 90% of those infected, but there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. That is why testing and preventing hepatitis C is so crucial. Hepatitis C spreads through infected blood, not through physical contact or sharing food. To lower the risk, don’t share needles or personal items like razors or toothbrushes. If untreated, 75-85% of newly infected people can develop long-term infections and possible liver damage.
Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B, but there is no cure for long-term hepatitis B. The hepatitis B vaccine also protects against hepatitis D. The initial presentation of hepatitis B often has no symptoms before it becomes a long-term concern and causes liver scarring. Since treatment for hepatitis B is only supportive and only available for initial infection, vaccination is essential, especially for newborns. All infants should get the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours after birth. In Ontario, hepatitis B vaccination is offered to all students in grade 7. For those that travel outside of North America, a vaccine protecting against both hepatitis A (spreads through infected food) and hepatitis B is suggested, such as Twinrix.
By raising awareness and improving access to testing, treatment, and vaccination, we can make significant progress in the fight against hepatitis!
Joyce Ayad is a 4th year pharmacy student from the University of Waterloo, currently completing her final rotation at Charlton Health. She believes in providing patient-focused care, supported by her previous experience working with specialty drugs, the pharmaceutical industry, and more. Joyce is eager to become a licensed pharmacist this year