Viral Hepatitis: Why Voluntary Screening Matters (Video)

It’s a fact that might surprise you: 9 out of 10 sufferers of hepatitis B are unaware that they have the condition. While this figure indicates that hepatitis B can remain dormant or inactive over a period of time, if left untreated the consequences to an individual can be serious.

Hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver that is often caused by a viral infection, is the leading cause of liver damage and cancer.

“Hepatitis often goes undiagnosed as people don’t tend to notice any symptoms until it has already damaged the liver. It is important that people are screened, because a simple test can help them avoid serious complications and permanent damage,” says Shiva Kumar, MD, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Chair of Gastroenterology & Hepatology,

While vaccines are available for both hepatitis A and B, there is currently no vaccine available for hepatitis C, which is another reason Dr. Kumar advocates hepatitis testing. A simple blood test to detect the presence of the virus is all that the screening process involves.

Watch the video below to learn more about hepatitis transmission, symptoms and prevention: