Richmond and Henrico Health Districts encourage residents to test for hepatitis

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- May 19 is Hepatitis Testing Day, and Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are encouraging community members to get tested for hepatitis.

According to RHHD, all adults 18 or older, should be screened for hepatitis B and C at least once in their lives, and pregnant people should get tested during each pregnancy, as viral hepatitis can spread from birthing parent to infant.

Infants with a hepatitis B infection have a 90% chance of developing a chronic version of the disease.

Hepatitis occurs when there is inflammation of the liver, which is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters out blood and fights infection.

According to RHHD heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications and certain medical conditions can affect liver conditions and cause hepatitis -- hepatitis is often caused by a virus.

"For many people, getting tested is the only way to know you have hepatitis B or C – diseases that can have serious consequences for your overall health and can spread to those close to you,” said RHHD Deputy Director Meslissa Viray, M.D.

"The good news is that we have safe and effective vaccines and/or treatments for the most commonly seen types of viral hepatitis," Viray continued.

Several people who become infected with hepatitis B and C don't experience symptoms and are unaware that they have the virus.

In the U.S. the most common types are hepatitis A, B and C and symptoms of all types of viral hepatitis are similar and can include the following:

• Dark urine or clay colored stool
• Diarrhea ( hepatitis A only)
• Feeling tired
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea, stomach pain and throwing up
• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)

Symptoms of chronic hepatitis can take decades to develop.

Here's how folks can reduce their risk of getting sick, according to RHHD:

• Get tested regularly
• Avoid sharing or reusing needles, syringes or any other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs, steroids, hormones, or other substances
• Avoid using your personal items that may have come into contact with an infected persons blood such as glucose monitors, razors, nail clippers and toothbrushes
• Avoid getting tattoos or piercings from an unlicensed facility or in an informal setting

According to VDH data on communicable diseases, hepatitis C and B are ranked top five for most reported conditions in Virginia, outside of COVID-19.

Hepatitis A, B and C vaccines and screening are available at their healthcare provider or at any RHHD clinic location.

For more information about RHHD clinical services or to schedule an appointment, you can call 804-205-3500.