RHHD encourages hepatitis testing
May 19 is National Hepatitis Testing Day, and officials from the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are encouraging community members to get tested for the disease.
All adults 18 years and older should be screened for hepatitis B and C at least once in their lifetime, according to health officials, and pregnant women should get tested during each pregnancy.
Hepatitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the liver, a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis, but it is often caused by a virus.
In the U.S., the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
“I encourage everyone in our community to get tested for and immunized against viral hepatitis if you have not already done so,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Deputy Director Melissa Viray. “These viruses are contagious and taking these steps protects your health as well as the health of those around you.”
Symptoms of all types of viral hepatitis are similar and can include one or more of the following:
• dark urine or clay-colored stools;
• diarrhea (hepatitis A only);
• feeling tired;
• fever;
• joint pain;
• loss of appetite;
• nausea, stomach pain, throwing up;
• yellow skin or eyes (jaundice).
Symptoms of chronic viral hepatitis can take decades to develop. People can reduce the risk of getting sick by taking the following precautions:
• getting tested;
• getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B;
• avoiding sharing or reusing needles, syringes or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs, steroids, hormones, or other substances;
• avoiding using personal items that may have come into contact with an infected person’s blood, even in amounts too small to see, such as glucose monitors, razors, nail clippers, or toothbrushes;
• avoiding getting tattoos or body piercings from an unlicensed facility or in an informal setting.
People who haven’t yet been screened for viral hepatitis or who are at additional risk for contracting hepatitis B or C should talk with a medical provider about testing options. Screening for hepatitis B or C is available through healthcare providers or at any of RHHD’s clinic locations.
For details about RHHD clinical services and to schedule an appointment, call (804) 205-3500. Testing sites also can be found using the CDC testing site locator.
Effective and safe vaccines are available to prevent both hepatitis A and B, according to RHHD officials. Those interested should speak with a provider.
