May 19 is Hepatitis Testing Day, an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of viral hepatitis testing, prevention, and care. HepVu joins other public health organizations in recognizing this day.
Although millions of Americans have chronic viral hepatitis, many are unaware of their status. CDC recommends testing for populations at risk for infection, including but not limited to:
- Hepatitis A—Routine testing for Hepatitis A prior to vaccination is not necessary or recommended but may be considered among individuals with a high likelihood of previous infection.
- Hepatitis B—Pregnant women during each pregnancy, Gay and Bisexual Men, people who inject drugs, anyone born or whose parents were born in areas where Hepatitis B is common. In addition, the CDC released updated vaccination guidance this April recommending universal hepatitis B vaccination for adults 19-59 years of age and is considering an expansion of its HBV screening guidelines to include once in a lifetime screening for all persons 18 years of age and older.
- Hepatitis C—All adults aged 18+ and pregnant women during each pregnancy, anyone with ongoing risk and medical conditions, such as people who inject drugs.
- Hepatitis D— People with a positive Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAG), or current Hepatitis B infection, may need Hepatitis D testing. You can find a more detailed explanation of Hepatitis D testing recommendations here.
You can also find viral hepatitis testing and other services in your area on HepVu’s service locators.
HepVu is also releasing a new panel blog with perspectives from experts across the spectrum – from federal staff to SSP providers to patients – about increasing of the number of people who are tested and aware of their viral hepatitis status in the U.S.
To learn more about viral hepatitis testing, explore HepVu’s resources:
- Visualize the Hepatitis C epidemic stratified by age, sex, and race on HepVu’s interactive maps.
- Find available viral hepatitis testing and care services near you with HepVu’s service locators.
- Read expert-led Q&As on the importance of viral hepatitis testing:
- Share our infographics in English and Spanish with your networks to raise awareness.
