Sunraysia and Mallee locals at risk of hepatitis B and C are being urged to get tested as new data suggests changes in the population of those impacted.
“It’s a serious concern that nearly 300,000 people in Australia live with hepatitis B and C and nearly 1,000 Australians die each year from these preventable diseases,” says Hepatitis Australia CEO Lucy Clynes.
“There is a simple cure for hepatitis C and treatment for hepatitis B, but many people aren’t receiving them because they’re unaware of their risk or disconnected from care.”
This World Hepatitis Day, Hepatitis Australia is releasing a new report, If Hepatitis was 100 people, which shows that:
- The population of people affected by hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Australia is changing
- Many people in Australia don’t realise they are at risk
- People are missing out on life-saving treatment and care.
Hepatitis Australia President and infectious diseases expert, Professor Joseph Doyle, says testing is easy but hepatitis symptoms can be hard to spot.
“Most people have no symptoms of hepatitis B or hepatitis C until much later, when their liver might be seriously affected,” Professor Doyle says.
“Routine blood tests don’t routinely screen for hepatitis – you usually have to request it. It’s a simple blood test with a follow up confirmation to see if the virus is active.”
If you think you could be at risk of hepatitis B or hepatitis C, you can speak with a GP or call HepLink, Australia’s hepatitis information service, on 1800 437 222.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/lab-experiment-test-chemistry-3498584/
