National Hepatitis Testing Day

National Hepatitis Testing Day is an American holiday dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of hepatitis testing. Early detection of hepatitis can lead to timely treatment decisions and help prevent the disease from progressing. The holiday is observed annually on May 19.

History

National Hepatitis Testing Day was established in 2012 and has been observed every year on May 19 since 2013. The holiday is supported by national associations dedicated to raising awareness about hepatitis and improving care for those affected by the disease.

Hepatitis is a general term for diseases that cause liver damage and are characterized by an inflammatory process. There are several types of hepatitis, each with its own symptoms and treatment requirements.

The most common types of hepatitis are A, B, and C, all of which are viral in nature. Hepatitis A and B are well-studied, and vaccines have been developed for them. However, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. In about 20% of cases, the immune system is able to clear hepatitis C on its own. For others, the disease can progress to a chronic stage, with approximately a quarter of patients at risk of developing cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Interesting Facts

• The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 2 billion people worldwide have been infected with hepatitis, and around 400 million live with chronic hepatitis.
• A vaccine has been developed for some types of hepatitis. Identifying the specific type is a crucial step in the testing process.
• Sofosbuvir is an innovative drug used to treat hepatitis C, but its widespread use is limited because a 12-week course of treatment costs over $80,000.

How to Celebrate

Visit a clinic to get tested for hepatitis and ensure there are no health issues. Consider donating to organizations that support children affected by hepatitis.

Raise awareness about the holiday on social media. Ask your followers if they’ve ever been tested for hepatitis and how they managed the disease if they were affected.

When is National Hepatitis Testing Day in 2025?

National Hepatitis Testing Day is observed annually on May 19.

Observations