World Hepatitis Day raises awareness about hepatitis and encourages people to break down barriers. Hepatitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the liver. It is usually the result of a viral infection or liver damage due to drinking alcohol.
There are different types of hepatitis. Some are caused by viral infections, including hepatitis B and C, while others can result from harmful alcohol use, known as alcoholic hepatitis. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are among the most common blood-borne viruses in the UK, and many people are unaware they have them because symptoms may not appear for years. With the right testing and treatment, hepatitis B can be effectively managed and hepatitis C can be cured. Finding hepatitis early can help prevent serious liver damage and save lives.
People at higher risk of viral hepatitis include those who have lived in or travelled to countries where hepatitis is more common, people who share or have shared injecting equipment, and those who may have been exposed to infected blood. Drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time or regularly drinking a lot of alcohol can also increase the risk of alcoholic hepatitis and other forms of liver disease.
“ World Hepatitis Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about hepatitis and the importance of looking after our liver health. Many don’t have symptoms and testing is the best way to protect your health. The good news is that hepatitis can be treated and I encourage residents to find out more and get tested. “
Councillor Matt Eason, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing
Walsall Council
“ Many people don’t realise they have hepatitis. At The Beacon, we're committed to making testing, information and support accessible to our service users and the wider community. With the right treatment, hepatitis C can be cured and hepatitis B can be managed. We're also here to support people who are concerned about the impact of alcohol on their liver health. “
Anne Brunozzi, Service Manager for The Beacon
Change Grow Live
Residents are encouraged to get support from The Beacon, commissioned by Walsall Council Public Health.
The Beacon provides free and confidential support for adults, children and young people affected by alcohol or drug use in Walsall. They offer blood-borne virus testing, including hepatitis testing, and a free needle exchange service for people who inject drugs. Residents can refer themselves or professionals can refer clients to the service online via the Change Grow Live website. For more information, please contact thebeacon.walsall@cgl.org.uk or call 01922 669840.
Alongside testing being promoted at The Beacon this week, the Hep C Trust bus will be in Walsall town centre from Wednesday 29 July to Friday 31 July from approximately 10.30am, helping raise awareness of hepatitis and encouraging people to find out more about testing and local support.
For more information about hepatitis viruses, please visit the NHS website:Hepatitis - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Anyone aged 18 or over and has an address in England can access free hepatitis C testing by visiting: https://hepctest.nhs.uk/
