Health and wellbeing
Get tested and access free support this World Hepatitis Day
Published on
Walsall residents are being encouraged to get tested for hepatitis and seek support as World Hepatitis Day is marked on Monday 28 July.
The day aims to raise awareness about hepatitis and encourage people to get tested. Hepatitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the liver. It is usually the result of a viral infection or liver damage due to drinking alcohol.
There are several different types of hepatitis, with Hepatitis B and hepatitis C as some of the most common blood borne viruses in the UK. With the right testing and treatment, hepatitis B can be managed and hepatitis C can be cured. Many people with hepatitis are unaware that they have the virus. Early detection can save lives and testing for hepatitis is quick, easy and completely confidential.
People at higher risk of hepatitis include those who have lived in and travelled to regions where the viruses are more common (Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, southern central and parts of South America) and individuals who share or have shared needles.
“ World Hepatitis Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about Hepatitis. Many don’t have symptoms and testing is the best way to protect your health. The good news is that hepatitis can be treated and I encourage residents to find out more and get tested. “
“ World Hepatitis Day is a vital reminder that hepatitis can affect anyone and many people don’t realise they have it. At The Beacon, we’re committed to making testing and support accessible to our service users and the wider community. With the right treatment, hepatitis C can be cured and hepatitis B can be managed. That’s why we’re encouraging residents and service users to take advantage of the free, confidential testing and support available on 31 July at our hub in the town centre. It’s a simple step that could save your life. “
The Hepatitis C Trust will be on-site at The Beacon – Change Grow Live in The Quarter, Walsall town centre on Thursday 31 July from 10am to 3pm, to offer free Hepatitis and HIV testing and provide support to individuals who have tested positive for hepatitis. Vaccinations for hepatitis B are also on offer for eligible residents.
For more information about hepatitis viruses, please visit the NHS website Hepatitis - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Anyone aged 18 or over and has an address in England can access free hepatitis C testing by visiting: https://hepctest.nhs.uk/
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- The Beacon – Change Grow Live is the Walsall Council Public Health commissioned service for alcohol and drug treatment and offers free and confidential support for anyone in Walsall. Residents can refer themselves or professionals can refer clients to the service online via the Change Grow Live website. For more information, please contact thebeacon.walsall@cgl.org.uk or call 01922 669840.
