Hepatitis Awareness Month: Know Your Risk, Protect Your Liver

Tulsa Health Department – Epidemiology Program

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of understanding and preventing viral hepatitis. Millions of Americans are living with chronic hepatitis B or C, and many are unaware of their infection. The encouraging news is that with early detection, vaccination, and treatment, viral hepatitis can be prevented—and often cured.

Our Epidemiology Program monitors trends in hepatitis A, B and C throughout Tulsa County to gain insight into transmission patterns and identify gaps in testing, vaccination and care. By raising awareness, promoting testing and encouraging vaccination, we can work as a community to protect our health and move towards a future free of viral hepatitis.

Why it Matters

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. The three most common types in the U.S.—Hepatitis A, B and C—are each caused by different viruses, but all target the liver and can lead to serious long-term damage if untreated.
Here’s a brief overview:

Hepatitis A (HAV)

• Transmission: Ingesting contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person (often due to inadequate hand hygiene).
• At Risk: Travelers to certain countries, individuals in communal living settings, or those using recreational drugs.
• Prevention: Safe and effective vaccine available.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

• Transmission: Contact with infected blood or bodily fluids—through unprotected sex, shared needles, or from mother to child during childbirth.
• At Risk: Anyone not vaccinated, especially those sharing personal items like razors or engaging in unprotected sex.
• Prevention: The CDC now recommends the hepatitis B vaccine for ALL adults aged 19–59, regardless of risk factors.

➡️ View the new CDC guidelines

Hepatitis B and Pregnancy
Hepatitis B infection in pregnant individuals poses significant risks to both the mother and the baby. Infants born to mothers with hepatitis B are at high risk of contracting the virus during childbirth. In fact, if an infant contracts HBV at birth, they have about a 90% chance of developing a chronic infection if left untreated.  These risks can be significantly reduced with preventive measures such as administering hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth.

➡️ Read more about how hepatitis B is managed during pregnancy and birth

Hepatitis C (HCV)

• Transmission: Primarily through blood-to-blood contact, especially via shared needles or unsterile medical equipment.
• At Risk: Individuals who inject drugs, received blood transfusions before 1992, or have certain healthcare exposures.
• Prevention: No vaccine available, but highly effective treatments exist—many people can be cured within weeks.

Symptoms of all types may include fatigue, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes), and abdominal pain—but many individuals remain asymptomatic for years.

What You Can Do:

• Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.
• Get tested if you’re in a risk group or unsure of your status.
• Practice safe hygiene and avoid sharing personal items.
• Consult your healthcare provider about prevention and treatment options.

Get Tested

May 19 is Hepatitis Testing Day. Early detection is crucial. The CDC encourages everyone to get tested, especially for hepatitis B and C.

• Testing is quick and straightforward.
• Knowing your status helps prevent transmission and facilitates timely care.
• Prioritize your health this month.

Where to Get Tested in Tulsa
Several local organizations offer confidential and accessible hepatitis testing services:

• H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic
  3354 E. 51st St., Tulsa, OK 74135
  (918) 749-8378 | En Español: (918) 749-8389
  Services: Free and low-cost testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, herpes, and hepatitis C.

• Tulsa CARES
  3712 E. 11th St., Tulsa, OK 74112
  (918) 834-4194
  Services: Free, quick, and confidential HIV and hepatitis C testing; care coordination and linkage to medical care for individuals living with hepatitis C.

Additional Local Treatment Resources for Hepatitis C
If you’re living with hepatitis C or need help accessing care, the following local resources can assist you in finding treatment, medical care and support:

• Diversity Family Health
  1822 E. 15th St., Tulsa
  (405) 848-0026
  Services: Hepatitis C medical services

• Guiding Right, Inc.
  4619 S. Harvard Ave., Tulsa
  (918) 896-8400
  Services: Hepatitis C medical services, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)

• Muscogee Creek Nation Council Oak Comprehensive Health
  10109 E. 79th St., Tulsa
  (918) 233-9550
  Services: Hepatitis C medical services

• Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa
  550 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa
  (918) 588-1900 | After Hours Care: (918) 342-6200
  Services: Hepatitis C services, behavioral health, medical care, substance use disorder support

• Integris Hepatitis C Clinic
  2821 N. Van Buren, Enid
  (405) 949-3349
  Services: Hepatitis C medical services, telehealth