The liver damaging disease hepatitis will come under the spotlight in the Hunter to raise awareness of the condition.
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With one in 12 Australians living with hepatitis B or C, Hunter New England Health aims to raise awareness about hepatitis and the importance of keeping your liver healthy.
“Of those that are diagnosed, not enough are having regular liver health check-ups,” Hunter New England Health hepatology nurse practitioner Tracey Jones said.
“Without regular monitoring and treatment, hepatitis B and C can lead to long-term illness including advanced liver disease.
“Other long-term implications of hepatitis C include cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Hepatitis C-related liver cancer is the leading cause of liver transplants in Australia.”
Viral hepatitis social worker Carla Silva said those who were unaware of being infected risked their own health as well as the health of others as they could unknowingly spread the disease.
“The hepatitis B virus is found in bodily fluids such as blood, saliva and semen, and the hepatitis C virus is carried through in the blood and spread blood-to-blood contact,” Ms Silva said.
“While the risk is low, both hepatitis B and hepatitis C can be spread from mother to baby during childbirth and by sharing items such as razors and toothbrushes.
“There is a higher risk from sharing injecting equipment, and through unsterile body piercing and tattooing equipment. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse.
“It is important for anyone who thinks they may be at risk of hepatitis to talk to their GP about treatment options.
“Cure rates for hepatitis C are close to 80 per cent for most people.”