Each May, the North Georgia Health District joins the U.S. observance of Hepatitis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the impact of viral hepatitis and promoting strategies for prevention, testing, and treatment. In 2025, this observance is particularly significant as it aligns with the final year of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan: A Roadmap to Elimination 2021–2025, which aims to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. HHS.govCDC+2HHS.gov+2HHS.gov+2
Understanding Viral Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis refers to liver inflammation caused by viruses, primarily hepatitis A, B, and C. These infections can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
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Hepatitis A: A short-term illness transmitted through contaminated food or water. It is preventable with a vaccine .CDC+1CDC+1
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Hepatitis B: A potentially chronic infection spread through bodily fluids. Vaccination is the most effective prevention method .CDC
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Hepatitis C: Often a silent, chronic infection transmitted through blood. While there is no vaccine, it is curable with oral medications .CDC
Alarmingly, many individuals with hepatitis B or C are unaware of their infection due to the absence of symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular testing .HHS.gov+3CDC+3CDC+3
The Importance of Hepatitis Awareness Month
Hepatitis Awareness Month serves as a platform to educate the public about the risks of viral hepatitis and the importance of prevention, testing, and treatment. It also aims to reduce the stigma associated with these infections, encouraging more individuals to seek testing and care .CDC+1HHS.gov+1
National Hepatitis Testing Day: May 19
A key highlight of the month is National Hepatitis Testing Day on May 19. This day emphasizes the need for individuals, especially those at risk, to get tested for hepatitis B and C. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and preventing the spread of the virus .CDC+5CDC+5HHS.gov+5
Progress Towards Elimination
The HHS's Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan outlines goals to reduce new infections and improve care for those affected. As of recent reports:HHS.gov+4HHS.gov+4HHS.gov+4HHS.gov
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Efforts are ongoing to reduce new hepatitis A infections by 40% by 2025 .HHS.gov
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Strategies are in place to increase the rate of hepatitis B birth dose vaccination to 75% by 2025 .HHS.gov
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Initiatives aim to reduce acute hepatitis C infections by 20% by 2025 .HHS.gov
These targets reflect a concerted effort to combat viral hepatitis through prevention, education, and treatment.
How You Can Get Involved
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Get Tested: If you're unsure about your hepatitis status, especially for hepatitis B and C, consider getting tested.
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Vaccinate: Ensure you and your loved ones are vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
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Educate: Share information about hepatitis risks and prevention methods within your community.
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Use Digital Tools: Utilize resources like the CDC's Hepatitis Awareness Month Social Media Toolkit to spread awareness online .CDC+1CDC+1
Note
Our county Health Departments in the North Georgia Health District, which includes Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties, offer the vaccine for Hepatitis A and B and testing for Hepatitis C. Also, Whitfield County Health Department offers treatment for Hepatitis C to local residents. Please contact your county health department for an appointment by clicking on your county's name on our home page at www.nghd.org.
Resources
By participating in Hepatitis Awareness Month, you contribute to the public health effort to eliminate viral hepatitis and promote liver health for all.HHS.gov+1CDC+1