Hepatitis Awareness Month: Types, Symptoms, Testing, and Prevention

6 min read

Every May, Hepatitis Awareness Month helps raise awareness about viral hepatitis, the importance of early testing, and ways to support liver health. The observance encourages people to learn more about hepatitis, understand risk factors, and speak with a health care provider about recommended screening or follow-up care.

Many people with hepatitis may not experience symptoms right away, which is why awareness and routine testing can play an important role in preventive health. Hepatitis Awareness Month also helps improve education around vaccination, screening, treatment options, and access to care.

The History and Purpose of Hepatitis Awareness Month

Hepatitis Awareness Month is observed each May in the United States and is supported by public health organizations to help increase awareness of viral hepatitis and liver health. The observance focuses on education, prevention, screening, and helping people better understand the different forms of hepatitis.

The month also includes Hepatitis Testing Day, observed annually on May 19, which encourages people to speak with a provider about whether hepatitis testing may be appropriate for them.

The purpose of Hepatitis Awareness Month is to help people:

  • Learn about viral hepatitis and liver health
  • Understand how hepatitis may spread
  • Recognize possible symptoms and risk factors
  • Encourage routine screening when recommended
  • Promote vaccination for certain types of hepatitis
  • Improve access to testing and follow-up care

What Is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. The liver plays an important role in filtering blood, processing nutrients, storing energy, and helping the body remove waste. When the liver becomes inflamed, it may affect how the body functions.

Hepatitis can have different causes, including viral infections, alcohol use, certain medications, autoimmune conditions, or other medical conditions. Viral hepatitis is one of the most common forms and is caused by specific viruses that affect the liver.

The Different Types of Viral Hepatitis

There are several forms of viral hepatitis, but Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C are among the most commonly discussed.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is typically spread through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. It is often considered a short-term infection and does not usually become chronic. Vaccines are available to help prevent Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood or certain body fluids. It may be transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from parent to child during childbirth. Some cases are short term, while others may become chronic. Vaccination can help prevent Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is most commonly spread through contact with infected blood. Some individuals may develop chronic infection over time. Advances in treatment have improved management options for many people with Hepatitis C, which is why screening and follow-up care remain important.

Possible Symptoms of Hepatitis

Some people with hepatitis may not experience symptoms, especially in the early stages. Others may notice symptoms that can vary depending on the type of hepatitis and the individual.

Possible symptoms may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Dark urine
  • Light-colored stool
  • Joint pain
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes

These symptoms can also be associated with other medical conditions. A qualified health care provider can help determine whether testing or further evaluation is appropriate.

Can Hepatitis Be Treated or Prevented?

Treatment and prevention options may depend on the type of hepatitis involved. Certain forms of hepatitis can be prevented through vaccination, while others may be managed through monitoring, medications, or follow-up care recommended by a provider.

For example, vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Some forms of Hepatitis C may be treatable with medications prescribed and monitored by a health care professional.

Preventive measures may include:

  • Vaccination when recommended
  • Routine screening based on risk factors
  • Using sterile needles and medical equipment
  • Practicing safer sex
  • Maintaining regular follow-up care
  • Discussing concerns with a provider

Why Hepatitis Testing Matters

Because hepatitis may not always cause noticeable symptoms, screening can help identify infections earlier and support informed conversations with a provider. Testing may also help monitor liver health or evaluate possible exposure based on medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, or provider recommendations.

Testing can be especially important for individuals who:

  • Have known exposure risks
  • Were advised by a provider to get screened
  • Have elevated liver enzyme levels
  • Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
  • Have a history of certain medical procedures or blood exposure
  • Want routine preventive screening

Hepatitis Testing Options Available Through LabFinder

LabFinder makes it easier to schedule hepatitis testing online at trusted labs and testing centers. With an insurance-first approach, LabFinder helps users make the most of the benefits they already pay for. Depending on insurance coverage, medical necessity, and plan details, some users may have low or no out-of-pocket costs.

LabFinder offers several hepatitis testing options, including comprehensive panels and individual hepatitis tests.

  • Hepatitis Panel
    – A grouped blood test panel that may screen for multiple types of viral hepatitis and provide a broader overview of hepatitis-related markers.
  • Hepatitis A Test
    – Used to help detect markers associated with Hepatitis A infection or immunity.
  • Hepatitis B Test
    – Used to evaluate markers related to Hepatitis B infection, exposure, or immunity.
  • Hepatitis C Test
    – Used to screen for markers associated with Hepatitis C infection.

These tests may be ordered as part of preventive screening, follow-up evaluation, or provider-guided monitoring. Results should always be reviewed with a qualified health care provider who can explain what they may mean in the context of personal health history and symptoms.

How LabFinder Helps Simplify Hepatitis Testing

LabFinder helps users search for hepatitis tests, compare nearby testing locations, and schedule appointments online with trusted labs and diagnostic centers. Secure digital results and convenient scheduling can help make preventive care easier to manage.

LabFinder’s insurance-first approach also helps users understand potential insurance coverage and maximize the health benefits they already pay for through their plans.

Whether you are scheduling a hepatitis panel, a specific Hepatitis A, B, or C test, or routine preventive blood work, LabFinder helps make the process more accessible and transparent.

Taking the Next Step During Hepatitis Awareness Month

Hepatitis Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn more about liver health, understand screening options, and speak with a provider about recommended preventive care. Routine testing and follow-up conversations can help support informed health decisions.

LabFinder helps simplify the scheduling process by connecting users with trusted labs and testing centers, supporting insurance-first access to care, and providing secure access to results.

This information is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. A health care provider can help determine whether hepatitis testing or follow-up care is appropriate based on symptoms, medical history, risk factors, and individual health needs. LabFinder does not provide medical advice. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs may vary based on insurance plan, medical necessity, and testing location.