World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day aims to raise awareness of these silent viral infections which, if left untreated, can lead to cirrhosis of the liver.

The most well-known viruses responsible for hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

While hepatitis A resolves spontaneously, this is not the case for hepatitis B and C, which often become chronic and can lead to liver cancer.

Vaccination remains the best means of prevention against hepatitis B, but there is no vaccination for hepatitis C.

The only way to know if you have been in contact with the hepatitis C virus is to take a screening test, which also allows you to receive appropriate care if the hepatitis C virus is detected.

Screening is recommended in the following situations:

• if you have a family member or partner with chronic viral hepatitis
• if you have had blood contact before the 1990s or in a country outside the European Union: transfusion, surgery, dental care, tattoos, piercings, etc.
• if you have snorted or injected drugs even once in your life, or are in a relationship with someone who has or does so.

Screening for viral hepatitis B and C can be done:

• Through a doctor (general practitioner or specialist) who will write a prescription
• At the National Infectious Diseases Service of the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg

Screening for hepatitis C can also be done through a rapid screening test, which is anonymous and free of charge:

• At the Red Cross HIV Berodung service >> Mondays and Wednesdays from 5pm to 7pm
• At the LGBTIQ+ CIGALE Centre >> Thursdays from 12.30pm to 2.30pm
• At the DIMPS >> Wednesday 28 July from 11am to 3pm on the station forecourt