World Hepatitis Day July 28th Annual global event to raise awareness of viral hepatitis

History of World Hepatitis Day 2010 – World Health Organization passes a resolution to make July 28th World Hepatitis Day Canada supports World Health Organization in the implementation of events across Canada

In Canada… About 1 in 5 people infected with hepatitis C do not know they are infected and remain undiagnosed An estimated 550,000 people have viral hepatitis B or C, with many unaware of their status

What is Hepatitis? Hepatitis Disease caused by viruses that attack the liver There are 5 different types of hepatitis: Hepatitis A B C D E

Hepatitis can lead to… Liver damage (cirrhosis) Liver cancer The need for a liver transplant

yellowing of the skin & eyes What are the Symptoms? Viral hepatitis’ symptoms may not be obvious until serious liver damage has occurred Most common symptoms yellowing of the skin & eyes dark urine nausea & vomiting abdominal pain fatigue

How Do You Get Hepatitis? Transmission Sharing drug using equipment Exposure to bodily fluids of an infected person (e.g. sexual intercourse, mother to child) Sharing personal hygiene items Using non-sterile equipment for tattoos & body piercing During medical procedures where infection control precautions are not observed

Hepatitis A & B can be prevented by a vaccine. Are there Vaccines? Hepatitis C Hepatitis A & B Hepatitis A & B can be prevented by a vaccine. There is NO licensed vaccine for hepatitis C.

Treatments are available for both chronic hepatitis B and C. Are there Treatments? Hepatitis C Hepatitis B Treatments are available for both chronic hepatitis B and C.

Learn More… Contact us at: World Hepatitis Day (Canada) www.whdcanada.org