World Hepatitis Day on 28. July

On July 28, World Hepatitis Day will take place. Under the motto “Let’s talk plain language” the day of action also draws attention to viral hepatitis in 2026. The aim is to inform about the different forms of hepatitis, reduce prejudice and misinformation and encourage people to engage with protection, diagnosis and treatment options.

What is Hepatitis?

First of all, hepatitis means liver inflammation. One possible cause of this is infection with hepatitis viruses. However, there are also forms of hepatitis that have other causes and are not contagious, such as autoimmune hepatitis, alcohol hepatitis or fatty liver hepatitis.

Liver cells are damaged during hepatitis. If the inflammation persists over a longer period of time, the liver can increasingly scar. This can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, in which important functions of the liver can be impaired. The risk of further serious secondary diseases such as liver cancer can also increase. However, if liver inflammation is detected and treated early, such late effects can often be prevented.

Hepatitis is not the same as Hepatitis

Today, five different hepatitis viruses are known: Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. What they have in common is that they can cause inflammation of the liver. At the same time, they differ, among other things, in their transmission paths, their course and the possibilities for prevention and treatment.

A new infection can heal on its own in some of those affected. Hepatitis A does not become chronic. Hepatitis B, C and D in particular, and in rare cases hepatitis E, on the other hand, can be chronic.

The tricky thing: Chronic hepatitis infections can go unnoticed for a long time. If complaints occur, they are often nonspecific, for example fatigue, digestive or joint complaints. Thus, infections can remain undetected for years and damage the liver.

How is hepatitis transmitted and how can I protect myself?

The different hepatitis viruses also differ in their transmission pathways. Accordingly, there are different ways to reduce the risk of infection.

Hepatitis A is mainly transmitted via contaminated food and water as well as via lubricating infections. In addition to hygiene measures, a preventive vaccination is available.

Hepatitis B can be transmitted via blood and other body fluids. An infection is therefore also possible during sex. Protection includes safe sex and avoiding shared objects that may come into contact with blood. In addition, vaccination against hepatitis B provides effective protection. This simultaneously protects against hepatitis D, since hepatitis D can only occur together with hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis C it is mainly transmitted through blood. Sexual transmission is possible, especially if there is blood contact or injury. There is no vaccination yet. It is therefore all the more important to avoid possible blood contacts and to seek advice and testing options in the event of a possible risk of infection.

Hepatitis D can also be transmitted through blood and during sex. Since infection is only possible together with hepatitis B, the hepatitis B vaccination simultaneously protects against hepatitis D.

Hepatitis E is mainly transmitted via contaminated water and food. Also, insufficiently heated pig and game meat can be a source of infection. Appropriate hygiene and a conscious handling of food can help reduce the risk of infection.

Hepatitis and travel

The topic of hepatitis can also play a role in travel. Hepatitis A in particular is widespread worldwide and can be transmitted via contaminated drinking water or food. Depending on the destination, there may therefore be an increased risk of infection.

Before a trip, it can be useful to inform yourself early about possible health risks at the destination and to have your own vaccination protection checked. Prevention vaccinations against hepatitis A and B are available. A conscious use of drinking water and food as well as good hygiene on the go can also help to avoid infections.

What treatment options are there?

Even with an already existing chronic infection, there are treatment options. Chronic hepatitis B and D infections can be effectively suppressed. Hepatitis C is almost always curable with today's drugs.

Advice and contact points in the district of Lörrach

In the district of Lörrach, there are also opportunities to be informed and advised. For questions about sexually transmitted infections, possible transmission risks and protection options, you can contact the STI consultancy of the Department of Health at the Lörrach District Office. The advice is anonymous and free of charge.

Doctors can also help with questions about hepatitis, their own vaccination protection, possible infection risks, tests or treatment options. Through the search for a doctor you will find suitable doctors in the district of Lörrach.

Further information on hepatitis A to E, transmission pathways, protection and treatment options can be found here: https://www.gesundsozial.digital/gesundheitsinformation/glossar/hepatitis