Wednesday, July 28 was once again World Hepatitis Day.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The most common viral strains include Hepatitis B, which is easily preventable by a vaccine, and Hepatitis C, D, A and E. Hepatitis can also be caused by alcohol abuse or autoimmune disease.

According to the World Health Organisation, Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water, while hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of parenteral contact with infected body fluids. Common modes of hepatitis transmission include receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment, and for hepatitis B, transmission from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child, and by sexual contact.

Coordinated by Hepatitis Australia and aligned with the global theme ‘Hep Can’t Wait’, World Hepatitis Day aims to:

• Mobilise the community, organisations, research institutes, media and governments to act in support of the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030
• Challenge stigma, discrimination and systemic barriers faced by people impacted by viral hepatitis
• Amplify the diverse voices of people impacted by viral hepatitis to influence public dialogue, decision making and health policy development
• Inform and educate the community, priority populations and health service providers on viral hepatitis
• Celebrate and reinforce achievements towards hepatitis elimination
• Coordinate a national agenda of activities and events
• Encourage national use of the World Hepatitis Day theme and national assets

Because Hepatitis is a chronic health condition that severely compromises the immune system, it is important to take extra infection control precautions. It is vital that in-home carers, whether professionals from a home care provider like Right at Home or a family caregiver, ensure they are up-to-speed on the latest COVID-19 guidelines and heighten hygiene practices.

If you or someone you know needs care due to chronic illness, give the quality in-home care experts at Right at Home Australia a call on 1300 363 802.

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links:

Australian Government Department of Health

Victorian Health and Human Services

NSW Health

Queensland Health

ACT Health

WA Department of Health

Tasmanian Department of Health

Northern Territory Department of Health

SA Health

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care), and any adult who needs our care at home including adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no admin or subscription fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget.

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government-approved, home care provider for levels 1-4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website.

Right at Home Offices in Australia: Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Upper North Shore; Sydney Central and Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney Norwest; Sydney The Hills; Padstow St George; Macarthur Penrith; Newcastle; Hunter & Port Stephens; Southern NSW; Toowoomba- Darling Downs; Sunshine Coast and Gympie; Mackay; Central Queensland; Townsville; Far North Queensland; Gold Coast South; Gold Coast North; Northern Rivers; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane South; Brisbane North; Brisbane West; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Perth West Coast: Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt; Moreton Bay Region; Sydney Inner West; Sydney Ryde; Greater Logan