Hepatitis Awareness Month is a month long campaign which aims to raise awareness about hepatitis. Worldwide Hepatitis Awareness Day also falls within the month of May.
Hepatitis is a disease which causes inflammation of the liver. Viral hepatitis is a group of diseases of the liver that can be caused by consuming contaminated water or food, using dirty needles or syringes, or practicing unsafe sex.
There are 3 main types of hepatitis, A, B, and C. Their effects range from not usually serious(A) to serious (C). Rarer forms of hepatitis include hepatitis D, E and autoimmune hepatitis.
People infected with hepatitis can experience effects ranging from mild illness to serious liver damage. Many recover completely from an infection, while others become carriers of the disease and can spread it to others unknowingly. It is especially important for women who are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant to get tested for hepatitis.