It's important to get tested for HIV and viral hepatitis and find out your status as early as possible! It's International Testing Week, and we'll tell you why it's important to get tested for viral hepatitis regularly.
Viral hepatitis B and C are liver diseases caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus can cause both acute and chronic infection.
Infection with both viruses simultaneously is possible, and antibodies produced during infection with one type of viral hepatitis do not protect the human body from infection with the other type. Moreover, for the reproduction of another type of virus - viral hepatitis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is required. That is, infection with the hepatitis D virus is impossible without the presence of HBV.
Infection with hepatitis C, B and D viruses occurs as a result of contact with infected blood or body fluids, during shared injection drug use, unsafe injections and invasive medical procedures, transfusion of blood and its components, receiving dental services, as well as “beauty services” associated with skin damage and possible bleeding: manicures and pedicures, tattoos, piercings, scarification, etc. HCV is also transmitted sexually. Usually, a small amount of infected blood is enough to become infected.
Almost every one of us is at risk of contracting viral hepatitis. Therefore, experts advise all citizens of Ukraine to take a rapid test for hepatitis C and B at least once in their lives (this is available by consulting a family doctor with whom you have signed a declaration).