Is that a word game?

HAV. HBV, HCV…No, they are not different versions of mechanical devices! Thay are actually the acronyms for 3 very common, yet very serious, viral diseases.

These are the 3 most common viral hepatitis infections worldwide. Hepatitis is literally an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. According to a recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), viral hepatitis (hepatitis caused by a few specific viruses that primarily  attack the liver) is a leading cause of death that claims the lives of 12,000-15,000 Americans each year. You could be one of them!

The HHS study indicates that 3.5-5.3 million Americans are living with viral hepatitis and do not know that they are infected. The disease can exist in the body for decades without producing symptoms. Therefore, 65%-75% of Americans remain unaware of their infection and go untreated.

Of the 3 most common types of hepatitis infection, 2 are vaccine preventable. HAV (hepatitis A) and HBV (hepatitis B) have vaccines that are available to both children and adults. HCV (hepatitis C) does not have a vaccine, and is–not surprisingly–the most common form of hepatitis infection.

So, what can you do to learn more and protect yourself?

1.   Find out more about hepatitis and the vaccines available to you. A few great resources include:

• Talking About Adult Vaccination
• Childhood Vaccination
• CDC – Viral Hepatitis
  
• NEA HIN – Viral Hepatitis

2.   Speak to yoru health care provider about viral hepatitis testing and whether you are eligible for the HAV and/or the HBV vaccines