Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver.

The group of viruses that infect the liver are called hepatitis viruses.

Some types of hepatitis can cause very serious diseases and — in extreme cases — may lead to death.

There are three types that can transmitted sexually, Hepatitis A, B, and C.

The type of hepatitis most likely to be sexually transmitted is Hepatitis B.

As of 2004 estimated number of new Hepatitis A infections was 56,000.

As of 2004 estimated number of new Hepatitis B infections was 60,000 and approximately 1.25 million people are living with the chronic infection.

As of 2004 estimated number of new Hepatitis C infections was 26,000 and approximately 3.2 million people are living with the chronic infection.

Transmission

Hepatitis A (HAV)

Spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth (even though it may look clean) that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Occurs when blood from an infected person enters the body of a person who is not infected.

HBV is spread through having sex with an infected person without using a condom, by sharing drugs, needles, or "works" when "shooting" drugs, through needlesticks or sharps exposures on the job, or from an infected mother to her baby during birth.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Occurs when blood from an infected person enters the body of a person who is not infected.

HCV is spread through sharing needles or "works" when "shooting" drugs, through needlesticks or sharps exposures on the job, or from an infected mother to her baby during birth.

Sign/Symptoms

Hepatitis A (HAV)

• Jaundice
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fever

Hepatitis B (HBV)

• Jaundice
• Extreme fatigue
• Tenderness and pain in lower abdomen
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Joint pain
• Headache
• Fever
• Hives

Hepatitis C (HCV)

• Jaundice
• Fatigue
• Dark urine
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea

Treatment

Hepatitis A (HAV)

No treatment

Virus usually resolves on its own over several weeks

Hepatitis B (HBV)

No cure

In most cases, hepatitis B goes away by itself within 4 to 8 weeks

In about 5-10% of people will have chronic Hepatitis B

Drugs are available for the treatment of persons with chronic (long-term) infection

Hepatitis C (HCV)

No cure

People with acute viral hepatitis experience a self-limited illness (one that runs a defined, short course) and go on to recover completely

Drugs are available for the treatment for persons with chronic (long-term) infection

Prevention

Hepatitis A (HAV)

• Hepatitis A vaccine is the best protection
• Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing and eating food

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Hepatitis B vaccination

• The best way to avoid contracting Hepatitis B is abstaining from sexual contact and from sharing needles
• Using latex condoms can reduce the transmission of Hepatitis B
• Avoid contact with infected blood or other body fluids directly or on objects such as needles, razors, toothbrushes, etc

Hepatitis C (HCV)

• There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C
• Avoid sharing needles
• Avoid contact with infected blood or other body fluids directly or on objects such as needles, razors, toothbrushes, etc
• Using latex condoms can reduce the transmission of Hepatitis C