Hepatitis Facts
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that may be caused by a virus and often leads to
serious health consequences. It is estimated that viral hepatitis affects some 600,000 Canadians
and yet up to 44% are unaware of their condition. Viral hepatitis kills 4,000 people every day
worldwide or 1.4 million per year.
Liver
The liver – situated on the right side of the body under the ribs—is the largest and most
complex organ inside the human body. It performs more than 500 different functions including
cleaning toxins, fighting infections and controlling blood sugar. The liver is connected to almost
every organ in the body and although it is essential to survival, it is also vulnerable to disease
and damage.
Chronic hepatitis
Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common forms of the disease in Canada. While Hepatitis A is
a short-term, or acute, infection, Hepatitis B and C can cause a long-term or chronic infection,
which can lead to serious liver damage, liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver cancer and the need for
liver transplant.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hepatitis, when they occur, do not usually show up immediately, and may include
fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, joint pain and jaundice
(yellowing of skin and white of eyes).
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis B is transmitted through body fluids and blood contact, such as mother to child
transmission, unprotected sex and unsterilized needles. Although drug treatment does not cure
the disease, it will mitigate its effects. There is a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Hepatitis C is spread through blood contact, including unsafe injection practices and
unscreened blood products. There is no vaccine, but recent pharmaceutical developments have
proven effective in curing hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C causes more years of life lost than any other infectious disease in Canada.
Prevention
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Get vaccinated for hepatitis B
Avoid sharing equipment for injecting drugs, sharing straws or notes for snorting
cocaine;
Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers or other personal hygiene articles;
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Ensure any tattooing, body piercing, acupuncture or electrolysis is done using sterilized
equipment;
Avoid unprotected sex.
Diagnosis and treatment
Viral hepatitis progresses slowly, destroying liver cells and causing inflammation, but often goes
undetected for 20-30 years.
Twenty per cent of people infected will develop cirrhosis -- heavy scarring and hardening of the
liver – blocking the flow of blood through the liver and preventing the liver from performing its
essential functions. Cirrhosis may lead to life-threatening conditions, such as liver failure. In this
case, a liver transplant would be recommended.
People born between 1945 and 1965 have the highest reported infection rate because of blood
transfusions and the use of unscreened blood products before blood control standards came
into effect in 1991.
People who have been in contact with the disease, engaged in any behavior or received
treatments that could lead to infection should consult with their healthcare provider
immediately. Viral hepatitis can be detected through a simple blood test.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid damage to the liver and can prevent spreading the
virus to others unknowingly. The only way to really know is to get tested.
Sources:
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hep/index-eng.php; http://www.worldhepatitisalliance.org/
World Hepatitis Day
The annual World Hepatitis Day on July 28, endorsed by the World Health Organization and the
World Hepatitis Alliance, is an opportunity to bring attention to viral hepatitis and promote
prevention, testing and treatment. The Canadian Society for International Health is the lead
organizer for World Hepatitis Day activities in Canada.
#4000voices, #whdcanada2015, #whdottawa2015, #LightsUp4Hep
The Canadian Society for International Health is a national non-governmental organization that works domestically
and internationally to reduce global health inequities and strengthen health systems. For more information, please
visit www.csih.org.
Contact:
Marg Buchanan
Communications coordinator
Canadian Society for International Health
613-241-5785, x323
mbuchanan@csih.org