Hepatitis B and C is a viral disease which affects the liver and is a major public health problem world-wide. According to the Hepatisis Awareness Day 300 million people across the world are infection with the Hepatitis B virus, resulting in serious illness and, in some cases, long term liver damage including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis or liver cancer.It's estimated that in the UK around 215,000 people in the UK have Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis B and C are transmitted by direct physical contact with infected blood or other infected body fluids or tissues. First aiders are expected to be able to manage a variety of injuries, including those associated with blood loss. When treating an injured person, the first aider has no way of knowing whether or not the person is carrying the Hepatitis virus.

Hepatisis can take a long time to present any symptoms meaning the virus can cause long term problems and affect the liver. 

Some of the symptoms could be:

• An intense tiredness (fatigue)
• ‘Brain fogginess’ and problems concentrating
• Joint and muscle pain
• Loss of appetite and/or feeling sick
• Feeling depressed or anxious, or having mood swings
• Indigestion or stomach pain
• Itchy skin
• Flu like symptoms
• Jaundice

Hepatisis A is the last member of this group. Hepatisis A is found inside faeces (poo) and traces can be carried on fingertips, so you do not need to come into contact directly with a persons blood or body fluids. Cases of Hep A are more common and special consideration should be made in places with poor sanitation.

All types of Hepatisis can cause life threatening complications if not treated, however treatment is common and usually effective. 

What can I do to prevent the risk of Hepatisis?

• Wash hands, good hygiene in public places
• When treating a patient even if the wound is small, wear gloves and try and keep their blood off your own skin.
• If other protective equipment is available such as aprons and spills kit, where them when cleaning up any other bodily fluid
• Tell people if you have it, it should not be a hidden subject and it might just prevent anyone else catching the virus
• See the doctor if you think you have the symtoms of Hepatisis remember the yelllow of the skins does not always come out straight away.
• Get vaccinated, First Aiders can ask for the vaccinations from their workplaces when taking on the role. Vaccination is the only way to prevent Hepatisis A.

Finally, support Hepatisis Awareness Day this July - They are trying to raise awareness and find the missing millions. This refers to the 300 million people who have Hepatisis and do not even know it!