IPSWICH Community Health is reminding Ipswich residents on World Hepatitis Day, on May 19, to be aware of this disease affecting more than 37,000 Queenslanders.

Needle and Syringe program officer Yvonne Teis said this year’s theme - Am I Number 12? - reflected the fact one in every 12 people has Hepatitis B or C.

Ms Teis said there was much misinformation about the disease and that was why raising awareness on World Hepatitis Day was so important.

“People often assume that Hepatitis C can only be contracted through injecting drug use,” Ms Teis said.

“But Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus and while it can be passed on through blood to blood contact, it is not considered a sexually transmitted virus.

“Hepatitis B on the other hand can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or birth and unprotected sexual activity.”

Ms Teis said there was a vaccine for Hepatitis B but none for Hepatitis C; treatment for Hepatitis C and none for Hep B.

“Everyone should consider having the Hepatitis B vaccine,” she said.

http://www.qt.com.au/story/2010/05/18/program-to-raise-hep-b-c-awareness/

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