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

ASSISTANCE & SUPPORT

Member Support Team: The ANMF Tasmanian Branch is 8000 plus members strong! Supporting nurses, midwives, and care workers as the only union in Tasmania employing nurses and care workers to represent members. This is why our Organisers and Member Support Team are uniquely positioned to understand your experiences, represent you in your workplace, and offer industrial advice that’s relevant to you. Please contact our Member Support Team if you need workplace support, would like to discuss any matters or raise a concern. Alternatively, you can send an email outlining your concerns to our team - membersupport@anmftas.org.au. Email is the preferred and fastest way of contacting the team, however if your matter is urgent, please phone (03) 6223 6777 or 1800 001 241 if you are outside of Hobart.

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