World Hepatitis Day: Parkland experts bust common misconceptions
Physicians stress importance of screenings, vaccinations to prevent serious liver damage
When it comes to viral hepatitis, misconceptions can stand in the way of testing, treatment, and prevention. Without proper treatment, the condition can lead to serious liver issues.
On World Hepatitis Day, Parkland Health experts are separating fact from fiction to help people better understand viral hepatitis and the importance of knowing their status.
Claim: “Hepatitis is just one disease.”
Fiction. The word “hepatitis” simply means inflammation of the liver. However, there are five primary types: hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Each type spreads differently and has different prevention and treatment options.
“Hepatitis B and C are especially important because they can quietly damage the liver for years without causing symptoms,” explained Ellen Kitchell, MD, HIV Services Medical Director at Parkland and Infectious Diseases Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
Claim: “If I feel healthy, I don’t have hepatitis.”
Fiction. Many forms of hepatitis are asymptomatic. Children who contract hepatitis A or E may only experience mild cold-like symptoms. Hepatitis B and C can often go unnoticed for years. A lab test is the only accurate way to determine if someone has hepatitis.
“Hepatitis can be like a slow-burning fire inside the liver. You may not see the smoke or feel the heat, but over time it can leave lasting damage,” said Dr. Kitchell. “The good news is that we can find hepatitis early with a simple blood test, and effective treatments can prevent many of its complications.”
Claim: “Only certain people need to worry about hepatitis.”
Fiction. Anyone can be affected by hepatitis. Because many individuals exhibit no symptoms, they often do not know how or when they were exposed. While certain activities or occupations can increase the risk of infection, the risk depends on the specific type. Hepatitis A and E typically spread through contaminated food or poor handwashing. Meanwhile, hepatitis B, C and D spread through blood and body fluids, which can happen through shared items like razors, needles or sexual contact.
“Hepatitis B tends to be highly contagious, so even household exposure carries a risk,” explained Marlyn Mayo, MD, Director of the Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease Clinic at Parkland and Internal Medicine Professor at UT Southwestern. “In the United States, it is recommended for all adults to get screened for hepatitis B and C, regardless of risk factors.”
Claim: “Hepatitis can be prevented.”
Fact. Vaccines are available to help prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B infections, and hepatitis B vaccination also protects against hepatitis D. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but testing and treatment are critical because most people can be cured in 8 to 12 weeks. In Texas, children attending childcare and K-12 schools must receive both hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines.
“Making sure children are vaccinated is one of the best ways parents can protect their children’s health,” said Cesar Termulo, MD, Associate Medical Director for Parkland’s Community Health Centers. “Vaccination helps prevent serious illness and supports healthier classrooms, families and communities. It’s a simple way to protect children early and help give them a healthier start.”
Claim: “A hepatitis diagnosis means there are no treatment options.”
Fiction. Medical advances have made treatment more effective than ever, and the right approach depends on the type of hepatitis. Hepatitis C can often be cured with medication, while hepatitis B can often be managed with treatment and ongoing care to help reduce liver damage and lower the risk of serious complications. Some forms of hepatitis, including hepatitis A and hepatitis E, are usually self-limited and often improve without specific treatment.
“A hepatitis diagnosis does not mean you are out of options,” said Dr. Mayo. “The key is to be diagnosed early and start treatment before serious liver damage has occurred.”
Parkland offers Walk-in Wednesdays for immunizations at its community health centers throughout Dallas County from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and from 1 to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are also accepted on other weekdays, although appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment, call 214-266-4000.
Parkland provides year-round, no-cost HIV, STI and hepatitis C testing, treatment and education services year-round at the ACCESS Clinic in the Moody Outpatient Center, Bluitt-Flowers Health Center, Southeast Dallas Health Center and other locations.
For more information about Parkland services, visit www.parklandhealth.org.
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