World Hepatitis Day: Do I Need Hepatitis B or C Testing?

Learn why hepatitis B and C testing is important, who should get screened, common risk factors, and how early detection can help prevent serious liver damage and improve long-term health.

Every year on July 28, World Hepatitis Day raises awareness about viral hepatitis and the importance of testing, prevention, and treatment.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. While some forms are short-term, hepatitis B and hepatitis C can become chronic and may cause liver damage over time. One of the most important things to know is that many people with hepatitis do not feel sick at first.

That is why testing matters.

What Is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by viruses, alcohol use, medications, autoimmune conditions, and metabolic conditions such as fatty liver disease.

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are viral infections that can affect the liver. Both can lead to long-term inflammation, scarring of the liver, cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer if not identified and managed appropriately.

What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C?

Many people have no symptoms, especially early on. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

Fatigue
Nausea or loss of appetite
Abdominal discomfort
Dark urine
Yellowing of the eyes or skin
Joint pain
Itching
Unexplained elevated liver enzymes on routine blood work

Because symptoms may be absent or vague, normal daily life does not always mean the liver is healthy.

Who Should Get Tested for Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis testing may be appropriate for adults who have never been screened, people with elevated liver enzymes, those with certain risk factors, and anyone who wants to know their status.

You should speak with your healthcare provider about testing if you have:

Abnormal liver blood tests
A history of blood exposure or needle exposure
A history of hepatitis in the family
A history of injection drug use, even if it was many years ago
A history of receiving blood products before widespread screening
A history of incarceration
HIV or another sexually transmitted infection
Travel or birth in areas where hepatitis is more common
A partner or household member with hepatitis
Pregnancy or plans for pregnancy

The CDC recommends hepatitis B screening at least once for all adults age 18 and older, using a blood test panel that helps determine whether a person has an active infection, a past infection, or immunity from vaccination. The CDC recommends universal one-time HCV screening for all adults ≥18 years.

Can Hepatitis Cause Liver Damage Without Symptoms?

Yes. This is one of the biggest concerns with chronic hepatitis.

Inflammation can continue quietly for years. During that time, the liver may gradually develop fibrosis, which is scarring. If scarring becomes severe, it can lead to cirrhosis.

Routine liver enzyme testing is helpful, but liver enzymes alone do not always tell the full story. A complete liver evaluation may include blood work, imaging, ultrasound, or a FibroScan® assessment to evaluate liver stiffness and fat.

Can Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C Be Treated?

Yes. Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis and each patient’s individual health needs.

Hepatitis C can often be treated with oral antiviral medications. Hepatitis B can be monitored and treated when needed to reduce the risk of liver damage. Early diagnosis gives patients and their care team more options to protect long-term liver health.

How Gastro Office Can Help

At Gastro Office, we evaluate patients with elevated liver enzymes, fatty liver disease, hepatitis concerns, and other liver-related symptoms. Our team can help determine whether additional testing, imaging, FibroScan® liver assessment, treatment, or long-term monitoring is appropriate.

You do not need to wait for symptoms to take liver health seriously.

Concerned about hepatitis or abnormal liver tests? Schedule a visit with Gastro Office.

Call 614-385-5900

Secure Text 614-412-3587

www.gastrooffice.com

Connect with the team at Gastro Office for expert digestive care, guidance, and evaluation. Serving Hilliard/Columbus/Central Ohio.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your health needs.

Krishna Rayapudi, MD, DABOM Board-Certified Gastroenterologist

Learn more about Dr. Rayapudi here: gastrooffice.com/provider/krishna-rayapudi-md Gastro Office & Hilliard Endoscopy Center Visit our Website Here: gastrooffice.com