Australians are being urged to take action on viral hepatitis as part of Hepatitis Awareness Week (July 28-August 3).
The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District is joining forces with Hepatitis NSW and other community organisations to raise awareness of hepatitis as part of national campaign.
Half a million Australians are living with chronic hepatitis B or C, which if left untreated can cause liver cancer, liver cirrhosis and liver failure.
The director of St George Hospital’s liver clinic, Associate Professor Amany Zekry says people living with hepatitis B or C are being encouraged to get tested, have their livers checked and ask about treatment.
“It has never been a better time to treat hepatitis C, as there are new treatments that offer enormous benefits, including for over 90 per cent of people on treatments, a cure,’’ she said.
“There are also more than 230,000 Australians with hepatitis C but less than two per cent currently receives treatment.
“The new treatments have much fewer side effects than the older treatments and can be taken for as little as eight to 12 weeks in most cases.
“More than 225,000 Australians are living with hepatitis B but less than 5 per cent are receiving treatment.
“There is no such thing as being a healthy carrier of hepatitis B – it is vital to have your liver checked regularly which will help determine the best time to start treatment.
”These simple actions can save lives.”
UPCOMING EVENTS
JULY 25
9AM-MIDDAY
Education stall at Forest Rd, Hurstville
JULY 26
9AM-MIDDAY
Information on hepatitis screening and a fibroscan liver assessment available for registered clients of the St George Drug and Alcohol Service at 2 South St, Kogarah.
JULY 28
2.30PM
Education session about new treatments at St George Hospital.
Information about a needle and syringe program at KRC South, corner of Kingsway and Kareena Rd, Caringbah.