Hepatitis is a health issue that requires our attention

Hepatitis3

By Crystee Cooper DHEd, MPH, LSSGB, CHES, Director of Health Services Research, DFWHC Foundation

On March 29, The Dallas Morning News reported $4.5 billion was spent in 2014 by Medicare on new “pricey” medications to cure hepatitis C. The article went on to say that 350,000 Medicare beneficiaries have hepatitis C, although many aren’t aware of it. Although the new hepatitis C drugs have a cure rate of 90 percent or higher and provide a better quality of life for patients, more emphasis and resources should be placed on awareness and prevention to help reduce hepatitis cases and control costs.

Hepatitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the liver. The liver is the body’s largest glandular organ that performs critical functions to keep us pure of toxins and harmful substances. The liver produces bile which helps carry away waste and break down fats in the small intestine during digestion.

There are five main types of hepatitis caused by viruses. The most common are A, B and C. Hepatitis A is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the virus while Hepatitis B and C are commonly spread when there is direct contact with the blood of a person with the disease. If not treated, Hepatitis can lead to liver failure and death.

Annually, 1.4 million people worldwide die from hepatitis. In the U.S., 17,000 people become infected with hepatitis C each year. An estimated 3.2 million are living with an active, chronic hepatitis C infection. Prevention of hepatitis A and B include vaccination, good personal hygiene and proper sanitation. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. Hepatitis B and C impact 400 million people worldwide.

The month of May marked an observance of hepatitis, a time for healthcare providers and community organizations to provide residents education, screenings and treatment. Screening for hepatitis is simple and available through any North Texas healthcare provider of choice. For those without a primary care physician, local health departments and community clinics provide testing at a reasonable rate, with or without insurance. There are several programs at area hospitals that focus on treatment of hepatitis and other liver diseases. Although the month of May has come and gone, hepatitis remains a population health issue that requires our attention.

The World Health Organization (WHO) designated July 28 as World Hepatitis Day in an effort to bring better awareness and understanding of how hepatitis is spread. To learn more about hepatitis and how you can play a part in prevention efforts in your community, visit www.worldhepatitisday.info.

Hepatitis