The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2022 (July 28) is "I can't wait." Every 30 seconds, someone dies from a hepatitis-related illness. We can't wait to act on viral hepatitis!

I can't wait........

• People living with viral hepatitis unaware can’t wait for testing.
• People living with hepatitis can’t wait for life-saving treatments.
• Expectant mothers can’t wait for hepatitis screening and treatment.
• Newborn babies can’t wait for birth dose vaccination.
• People affected by hepatitis can’t wait to end stigma and discrimination.

Some of the risk factors are as follows: received a blood product prior to 1992; use needles to take illegal drugs; snort cocaine; work around blood or needles; are on dialysis; have more than one sexual partner; have a spouse or partner with hepatitis; have body piercings or tattoos; or were born to a mother with Hepatitis C.  

Contact the UPEI Health and Wellness Centre to request a blood test to test for Hepatitis C (email: healthcentre@upei.ca). You could have this virus for 20 to 30 years before getting symptoms. Hepatitis C is now curable, and there is a provincial program to assist those affected (https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/hepatitis-c-treatment-and-resources-are-changing-islanders-lives).

Don't wait! Get tested now!