The silent killer that has a cure

Eliminating hepatitis through education.


In the United States alone, nearly 5 million people are estimated to have hepatitis B or hepatitis C. However, 90% of people with hepatitis B and 80% of people with hepatitis C don’t know they have it. This creates the possibility for millions of people to spread the infection to others without knowing, or to develop fatal liver cancer.

Here are four ways that hepatitis B and hepatitis C are commonly spread:

1

Receiving blood transfusions

2

During childbirth from mother to infant

3

Sharing razors or toothbrushes

4

Tattooing or body piercing done without adequately sterilized equipment

The hepatitis B virus can also be spread through having unprotected sex with an infected person.

If you think you could be at risk for either hepatitis B or C, it is important to get tested. If you are unsure of your status, please talk to your primary care physician. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or World Hepatitis Alliance websites for the latest information on global efforts to eliminate hepatitis.


Don’t miss important information on other National Health Observances

The key to staying healthy is prevention. That’s why we promote National Health Observances every month to help spread awareness and keep our members healthy. Find out more about skin cancer prevention and the warning signs for suicide prevention.


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San Diego County recently experienced a public health emergency due to a hepatitis A outbreak.