GENESEO, N.Y., May 16, 2023 – May is National Hepatitis Awareness Month and the Livingston County Department of Health is reminding residents of the importance of vaccinations to safeguard against the devastating impacts of the disease.
During Hepatitis Awareness Month, healthcare workers across the United States in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other healthcare-focused organizations, work to shed light on the impact of these hidden epidemics by raising awareness of viral hepatitis. Additionally, they work with various agencies to encourage testing and vaccinations to prevent further illness and strain on the healthcare system.
A potentially deadly disease, hepatitis can result in numerous health problems and can lead to cirrhosis, a progressive deterioration and malfunction of the liver. It can also lead to liver cancer and is believed to account for over 65 percent of all liver cancer diagnosis.
Hepatitis can be contracted several different ways, however, sexual contact with an infected person, sharing needles, drinking or eating contaminated food or water and through fecal matter are the most commons means of transmission.
While its impacts are often deadly, hepatitis is preventable and treatable. Both hepatitis A and B are preventable with safe and effective vaccines while hepatitis C is curable with prescribed treatment and medications. The CDC recommends that everyone is vaccinated against hepatitis. Known as the silent disease, it has been estimated that roughly 70 percent of people with hepatitis B are unaware of their infection and 40 percent of those who have contracted hepatitis C are unaware of their infection.
Learn more about hepatitis or get involved with various awareness initiatives by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events and more by following Livingston County on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is comprised of more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.