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Island medics are encouraging islanders to get a free hepatitis test, as part of Hepatitis Awareness Month.
The month’s aim is to raise awareness and reduce stigma around the disease, which often has no obvious symptoms until the infection has caused serious complications which could even become fatal.
Pictured: Viral hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver - however it can also present no symptoms, hence its nickname of "the silent killer."
Viral hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver, and can be both acute or chronic - there are five main strains of viral hepatitis, referred to as hepatitis A, B, C, D & E.
The blood borne viruses team at Health and Community Services have also emphasised that even though prevalence of hepatitis is considerably higher amongst some high-risk groups, it can affect anyone, ranging from those in their 20s to those over 70.
They are looking for those who feel they have been exposed to any of the Hepatitis risk factors to take the test, which include:
Nurse Specialist for Blood Borne Viruses, Michelle Mulhall said: “There is a significant amount of stigma associated with hepatitis, with those affected by the condition reporting being discriminated against.
“This can have an impact on a person’s access to health services, leading to a lack of testing, diagnosis and treatment.
“The reason for the stigma is people may be fearful of becoming infected and due to its association with injecting drug use, with the assumption that all people with hepatitis C have used drugs, which is not the case.
“Furthermore, people are often unaware of the ways they can get hepatitis and are simply living with the condition until it becomes a chronic problem."
Pictured: Dr Ivan Muscat emphasised that getting an early hepatitis diagnosis was "key" to treating it.
She continued: “They may be unaware of the risks of partying, especially those who partied hard in the 60s and 70s when drugs were more widely available.
“Additionally, people born between 1945 and 1965 who are considered ‘baby boomers’ are also considered high risk due to unsafe medical procedures at that time – a time when hepatitis B and C were not recognised.
“And, of course, hepatitis is more prevalent in some countries and we need to bear this in mind as people move from one country to another.”
Consultant in Communicable Disease Control, Dr Ivan Muscat said: “Despite our current focus being on covid, it is important for Islanders to be aware of diseases like hepatitis.
“I would encourage islanders who feel they may have been exposed to any risks, past or present, to contact our specialist team to arrange an appointment. Hepatitis is treatable but getting an early diagnosis is key.”
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