As millions unknowingly suffer from hepatitis, you can inform your communities with guidelines and resources

Millions of Americans have chronic viral hepatitis, but most of them do not know they have it. During the month of May spread the word about symptoms, the availability of tests, and vaccination recommendations.

The CDC recommends all adults be tested for hepatitis B and C at least once in their lifetime, and once per pregnancy. People who inject drugs should be tested at least once a year. Those who test positive for hepatitis B and C are encouraged seek treatment by primary care doctors.

During Hepatitis Awareness Month, you can share the CDC’s updated adult hepatitis B vaccination recommendations—which include new guidelines for Hep B screening and testing. CDC’s helpful multilingual toolkits for providers and patients encourage those in your community to get tested.

Check out these helpful resources:

• DOH Hep B Hub webpage, newest resource to share with patients or communities at risk of or living with hepatitis B.
• Access the University of Washington’s latest training for health care providers to learn about hepatitis B and C screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Earn free Continuing Education Credits through Hepatitis B Online and Hepatitis C Online courses.
• Hepatitis B fact sheets and information can be used to help reach all communities in many languages, including Vietnamese, Spanish, Tagalog, Marshallese, Swahili, Tongan, Chuukese, Russian, Mongolian, Romanian, Mandarin, and more.

For more information on hepatitis resources, email hepatitis@doh.wa.gov.