HEPATITIS
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver from exposure to Hepatitis virus.
There are five major types of Hepatitis – Hepatitis A (HAV), Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), Hepatitis D (HDV), and Hepatitis E (HEV).
HEPATITIS A
How do I get Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A (HAV) is transmitted through oral contact with fecal matter, typically from contaminated food or water, and by sexual contact, usually oral-anal sex. The infection usually spreads when people don't wash their hands after using the bathroom.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Symptoms for HAV occur 15-50 days after exposure, and include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-colored urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (Jaundice).
How is Hepatitis A diagnosed?
HAV is diagnosed through a blood test that detects HAV antibodies.
How is Hepatitis A treated?
There is no cure for HAV, and most people will have a short-term illness and then completely recover. Once someone is exposed to HAV, they develop lifetime immunity.
How do I prevent Hepatitis A?
HAV is preventable with the HAV vaccine, given in two doses, six months apart.
HEALTH SERVICES OFFERS THIS VACCINE.
HEPATITIS B
How do you get Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B (HBV) is usually transmitted sexually. The virus can be found in semen, vaginal fluids, saliva, blood, and urine.
One out of 20 people in the U.S. will become infected with HBV at some point in their lives.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?
About 50 percent of people infected with HBV have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they appear 6 weeks to months after infection, and may include: fatigue, pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, headache, fever, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (Jaundice).
HBV is very contagious and can be passed sexually, by sharing contaminated needles, or by sharing a toothbrush or razor.
How is Hepatitis B diagnosed?
HBV is diagnosed through a blood test that detects HBV antibodies.
How is Hepatitis B treated?
Most people with HBV recover completely, though 5-10% will become "carriers" and live with chronic HBV infection. Most HBV carriers will remain infectious for the rest of their lives.
How do I prevent Hepatitis B?
HBV is preventable with the HBV vaccine, given in 3 doses over 4-6 months.
HEALTH SERVICES OFFERS THIS VACCINE
Correct and consistent use of condoms during sexual activity may reduce the risk of acquiring HBV. Don’t share needles or personal hygiene items (toothbrush, razor) if you have HBV.
HEPATITIS C
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C (HCV) is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the U.S.
How do you get Hepatitis C?
HCV is transmitted by direct contact with blood. Injection drug use is the most common risk factor, though HCV can also be spread by vaginal and anal sex (transmission by oral sex has not been documented). People who received blood transfusions or organ transplants prior to 1992 are also at risk.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C?
Eighty percent of people exposed to HCV have no symptoms. Liver disease progresses slowly, and some could have HCV for many years but not feel sick.
Symptoms of Acute HCV infection might include yellowing of the skin and eyes (Jaundice).
Symptoms of Chronic HCV infection might include jaundice, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea and malaise (ill-feeling).
How is Hepatitis C diagnosed?
There are several blood tests to detect HCV antibodies, and it generally takes 8-9 weeks after exposure to develop antibodies, though it can take 6-12 months for some people.
How is Hepatitis C treated?
Treatment for HCV will vary, depending on the stage of the illness. There is no vaccine for HCV.
Fifteen to 45% of people with HCV clear the virus from their blood within six months of infection. Fifty-five to 85% end up with long-term, chronic HCV.
How do I prevent Hepatitis C?
Correct and consistent use of condoms during sexual activity may reduce the risk of acquiring HCV. Don’t share needles or personal hygiene items (toothbrush, razor) if you have HCV.
HEPATITIS D
How do I get Hepatitis D?
You can only get Hepatitis D (HDV) if you have active and chronic Hepatitis B.
HDV is transmitted sexually, though less efficiently than Hepatitis B. Sharing needles with a person infected with HDV is the most common way to get it.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis D?
Symptoms are similar to those of Hepatitis B. When someone is infected with both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis D, they have a greater risk of chronic liver disease. They may also be periodically contagious over the course of their lifetime.
How is Hepatitis D diagnosed?
HDV is diagnosed through a blood test that detects HDV antigen or one that detects HDV antibody.
How is Hepatitis D treated?
Acute illness usually clears on its own. Treatments for Chronic HDV vary.
How do I prevent Hepatitis D?
et the Hepatitis B Vaccine. Don’t share needles. Consistently and correctly use condoms for sexual activity.
HEPATITIS E
How do I get Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E (HEV) is found in geographic areas lacking clean water and/or sanitation.
People become infected with Hepatitis E through oral contact with feces, typically found in contaminated water.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis E?
Symptoms for Hepatitis E are similar to symptoms of Hepatitis A, and include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-colored urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (Jaundice).
How is Hepatitis E diagnosed?
There is no specific blood test to detect Hepatitis E antigen or antibody.
How is Hepatitis E treated?
There is no cure for Hepatitis E, and most people will have a short-term illness and then completely recover. There is no Vaccine for Hepatitis E.
How do I prevent Hepatitis E?
Avoid drinking water or using Ice from a doubtful water supply in geographic areas where clean water is an issue. Avoid uncooked shellfish in these areas, and uncooked fruits and vegetables in these areas that have not been peeled and prepared by you.
