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World Hepatitis Day 2021

July 28 is World Hepatitis Day – let’s take a look at the virus which impacts thousands of Tasmanian lives.

Hepatitis is a blood-borne virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It can remain dormant for decades before causing severe liver disease, cirrhosis and even cancer.

There is an estimated 340,000 people living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C in Australia, with around 5,000 hepatitis C patients currently in Tasmania.

To help spread awareness, this year’s theme is Hepatitis Can’t Wait, which recognises that even in the current COVID-19 crisis, we can’t wait to act on hepatitis B and C. COVID-19 has significantly interrupted hepatitis screening and hepatitis B monitoring in Australia, but it’s hoped with an increased focus, this can be turned around.

Hepatitis Australia estimates 200,000 fewer people received hepatitis screening compared to the expected number in 2020 – a 20% decrease. Alarmingly, there was a 15% decline in new diagnoses of hepatitis B during 2020.

There are different strains of the hepatitis virus – A,B,C,D and E, with the most common being B and C.

  • Hepatitis A and E are mainly spread through contaminated water and food
  • Hepatitis B is spread through sexual contact, it can also be transmitted through infected blood transfusion and from the mother to her baby in the womb
  • Hepatitis C is mainly spread through infected blood transfusion
  • Hepatitis D is usually spread to patients who are already diagnosed with hepatitis B

The most common early or acute symptoms include feelings of fatigue, nausea, fever and general muscular aches and pains. Chronic symptoms may include mood swings, anxiety and depression, abdominal pain, dry/itchy skin, dry eyes, “brain fog” and generally feeling unwell.

Treatment options are determined by which type of hepatitis you have and whether the infection is acute or chronic.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are also disproportionately affected by hepatitis. They make up 3% of the Australian population, but at least 11% of newly reported cases of hepatitis C each year.

Fortunately, Australia is one of 194 World Health Organisations member states who voted unanimously to adopt the Global Hepatitis Elimination Strategy to achieve elimination of hepatitis B and hepatis C by 2030.

Updates correct as at 27 July 2021
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary

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The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch acknowledges the Tasmanian Aboriginal people as the Traditional Custodians of this land. We acknowledge the determination and resilience of the Palawa/Pakana people of Lutruwita who have survived invasion and dispossession and continue to maintain their identity, culture, and rights.

We recognise that we have much to learn from Aboriginal people today, who represent the world’s oldest continuing culture and pay our sincere respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

We respectfully acknowledge the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmania's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, staff, students, alumni, partners, and visitors.

We also acknowledge and respect the Traditional Owners of lands across Australia, their Elders, Ancestors, cultures, and heritage, and recognise the continuing sovereignties of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations.

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