05/23/2024
National Hispanic Hepatitis Awareness Day is observed every May 15th to address the impact of Viral hepatitis in the Latino Community.
This year NHHAD focused on testing yet again because it is important to take that first step to know our status to make the right decision. If the test comes out negative, we can remain negative by taking the necessary preventive measures. There are vaccines against Hep A and Hep B to prevent these viruses, and if we are at risk for Hep C there are preventive behavioral changes that we can take to stay negative. If the test comes out positive, we need to start treatment for Hep B or Hep C. Treatment for Hep B maintains the infection controlled providing protection against the chronic course of this infection, and treatment for Hep C can get us cured rapidly. It is important to treat Hep B and Hep C, leaving these conditions untreated could progress to chronic hepatitis causing cirrhosis, cancer and in the end Hepatic failure or insufficiency that leads to death.
Take care of your liver, if you want your liver to take care of you!
Many Hispanics are living with chronic hepatitis B or C, and most don’t know they are infected, because most times there are no symptoms until it gets compli...
