Using condoms can help prevent pregnancy
and HIV/STDs. » Learn More

What is it?

Hepatitis is a virus that attacks the liver. There are different forms of Hepatitis and each is unique. You can get Hepatitis A, B, or C from sex.

Find out more about the different types of Hepatitis and how to prevent them below.

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)

How do you get it?

Hepatitis A is passed through feces, so you can get it by having anal sex with someone who is infected and not washing afterwards or from oral to anal contact with someone who is infected.

You can also get Hepatitis A from someone who is infected and doesn’t wash their hands after using the bathroom or changing a baby’s diaper.

You can also get Hepatitis A from direct contact with contaminated blood, but it is rare.

The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is to get the vaccine. Good handwashing will also prevent Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

How do you get it?

• Having sex with someone who has HBV.
• Sharing needles (syringes) or equipment to use drugs (works) with someone who has HBV
• Receiving a blood transfusion that contains HBV.
• Sharing household items like razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers or earrings with someone who has HBV.
• Touching any blood or bodily fluids which contain HBV.
• Mothers who have HBV may also infect their babies during childbirth.
• The best way to protect yourself from getting HBV is to get the vaccine.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

How do you get it?

Sharing needles (syringes) or equipment to use drugs (works) with someone who has HCV.
Receiving a blood transfusions that contains HCV.

You can get HCV the following ways, but it’s less common:

• Touching any blood or bodily fluids which contain HCV.
  
• Having sex with someone who has HCV

Mothers who have the disease may also infect their babies during childbirth.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis?

Sometimes there are no symptoms. When there are symptoms, they include:

• Yellowing of the skin
• Yellow in the whites of the eyes
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Dark colored urine
• Grey-colored bowel movements
• Joint pain.

What are the effects?

People who get Hepatitis B and C may have the infection for life. It increases the risk for cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and liver failure, all of which can result in death.

Is there a cure?

No, but HAV and HBV can be prevented if you get the vaccine. Call your health care provider today to get it.

If you have HBV or HCV there are medications that can help.