This Monday, July 28, we come together with our community for World Hepatitis Day—a day to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and inspire action to improve liver health for Canadians across the globe.
At Liver Canada, we believe education is a powerful tool in prevention. That’s why we’re encouraging Canadians to learn their ABCDs of hepatitis—an easy way to understand the different forms of hepatitis and how to protect yourself and your community.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. While many factors can cause hepatitis, including alcohol consumption, certain medications, or autoimmune conditions, the most common cause worldwide is a viral infection.
Some forms of viral hepatitis go away on their own, while others can become chronic or long-term, and lead to serious complications, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure. The good news? Many types are preventable and even treatable—and early detection makes all the difference.
Let’s explore the ABCDs of viral hepatitis and how you can take action today.
Hepatitis A: Spread through contaminated food and water
Hepatitis A is a short-term infection typically spread through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person. While most people recover fully, this type of viral hepatitis can be severe, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing liver conditions.
How to protect yourself:
- Practice safe food handling by washing all your produce before eating or cooking
- Be cautious with food and water, particularly while traveling, by using and consuming safe water and avoiding contaminated water sources (especially for swimming or washing)
- Get vaccinated—especially if you’re at higher risk and before travelling
Hepatitis B: Transmitted through blood and bodily fluids
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can become chronic. It spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. Common routes include intimate connections, sharing needles, or even sharing personal items like razors and toothbrushes. Hepatitis B is treatable.
How to protect yourself:
- Get vaccinated—this is your best defense
- Avoid sharing needles or personal hygiene items
- Use barrier protection during intimate connections
- Ensure safe practices in tattooing, piercing, or medical care
Hepatitis C: Transmitted through blood-to-blood contact
Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. It usually spreads through blood-to-blood contact, most often via shared needles or non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment. If left untreated, hepatitis C can cause long-term liver damage, but the good news is that it’s curable in more than 90% of cases.
How to protect yourself:
- Avoid sharing needles, razors, or other sharp personal items
- Ensure sterile equipment is used in all procedures
- Get tested if you may have been exposed—even if you have no symptoms
- If you are an adult born between 1945-1975
Hepatitis D: Requires hepatitis B to infect
Hepatitis D is unique. It can only infect people who already have hepatitis B. When both viruses are present, it can lead to more severe forms of liver disease, beyond viral hepatitis. Like hepatitis B, hepatitis D is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids.
How to protect yourself:
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis B to also protect against hepatitis D
- Avoid sharing needles, razors, or other sharp personal items
- Ensure sterile equipment is used in all procedures
- Get tested if you may have been exposed—even if you have no symptoms
Whether it’s by getting vaccinated, learning about the possible risk factors, or talking to your healthcare provider, every action helps protect your liver health.
This World Hepatitis Day, take a moment to:
- Get tested if you think you may be at risk
- Educate yourself and share what you learn with others
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B
- Call our National Help Line for support and resources at 1-800-563-5483
