World Hepatitis Day is recognized every year on July 28 to raise awareness and drive action toward eliminating viral hepatitis. It is one of only a few health days officially recognized by the World Health Organization. Millions of people across the globe are living with undiagnosed and untreated hepatitis, and many are unaware of their infection. This day helps shine a light on the need for testing, prevention, and access to care.
This year, the theme is Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down. The campaign calls for urgent action to remove the financial, social, and systemic barriers that stand in the way of prevention, testing, and treatment. These barriers include the stigma many people face after a diagnosis, limited access to care, and a lack of awareness in many communities.
Hepatitis is caused by group of infectious diseases that mainly affect the liver. Over time, the infection can lead to serious health complications including liver cancer and liver failure. Because symptoms can often be silent or go unnoticed for years, many people may not know they are living with the virus until damage has already occurred. The most common types are hepatitis A, B, and C. Each type spreads in different ways and can affect people differently.
Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water or close contact with someone who is infected. It causes short-term illness but does not lead to long-term liver problems. It can be prevented with good hygiene and vaccination.
Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood or body fluids. This can happen during childbirth, through shared personal items like razors, or through unprotected sex. It can cause serious long-term damage to the liver. A safe and effective vaccine is available, and treatment can help manage the condition.
Hepatitis C spreads mainly through blood. Like from sharing needles or from unsafe medical procedures. Many people do not know they are infected until the virus has already damaged the liver. While there is no vaccine, hepatitis C can be cured with proper treatment when diagnosed early.
Protect yourself by following safe practices such as using clean medical equipment, avoiding sharing personal items that may have blood on them, and asking your doctor about vaccination and screening options.
As part of the caregiving community, we at Homewatch CareGivers of Idaho support awareness efforts that help families feel informed and empowered. When people understand their risks and options, they are more likely to take steps that protect their health and the health of those around them.
Spread the word and encourage healthy habits, we can work together to create a safer and healthier community.
Homewatch Websites:
Boise: www.homewatchcaregivers.com/boise
Twin Falls: www.homewatchcaregivers.com/twinfalls
Nampa: www.homewatchcaregovers.com/nampa
Pocatello: www.homewatchcaregivers.com/pocatello
We serve the following cities:
Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, Mountain Home, Middleton, Parma, Homedale, Twin Falls, Jerome, Buhl, Kimberly, Filer, Wendell, Gooding, Pocatello, Burley, Chubbuck, American Falls, and Blackfoot.