
Hepatitis A – B – C
Hepatitis – the general term means inflammation of the liver. There are several types of viral hepatitis infections. The three most common in the United States are Hepatitis A, B, and C.
- Hepatitis A
A disease that can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months.
- Spread – When a person ingests food or water then has been contaminated with fecal matter.
- Prevention – Hepatitis A vaccine.
- Treatment – Self-limiting, but may require hospitalization.
- Hepatitis B
A serious viral disease that attacks the liver. Most people will not be able to clear the virus and will be chronically infected for the rest of their life.
- Spread – When a person comes into contact with an infected person’s blood or sexual fluids.
- IV drug use, sharing of needles and equipment.
- Sharing a toothbrush, razor, nail clippers.
- Needle stick injuries in health care settings.
- Sexual activity.
- Being born to a mother who has Hepatitis B.
- Prevention – Hepatitis B vaccine.
- Treatment – Supportive treatment, antivirals, monitoring for liver damage and liver cancer.
- Hepatitis C
Can range in severity from an acute illness to a chronic life long illness. 80% of acute cases will lead to chronic infection.
- Spread – When a person comes into contact with an infected person’s blood.
- IV drug use, sharing of needles and equipment.
- Sharing a toothbrush, razor, nail clippers.
- Needle stick injuries in health care settings.
- Being born to a mother who has Hepatitis C.
- Prevention – Avoid IV drug use, use caution when working in health care settings.
- Treatment – Current treatment to cure Hepatitis C is available.
Hepatitis C Testing
Testing is FREE for anyone with a history of the following:
- Past or present IV drug users.
- Born between the years of 1945-1965.
Contact Sam at 641-421-9309 to schedule your testing appointment.
Hepatitis A & B Vaccine:
Vaccines are FREE for anyone with a history of the following:
- Past or present alcohol or illicit drug users.
- Men who have sex with men.
- History of an STD.
- History of Hep C or HIV.
Take this short quiz to see you are at risk for viral hepatitis and should be vaccinated!
For more information about Hepatitis, visit these links:
Hepatitis A Vaccine Information
Hepatitis A Fact Sheet
Hepatitis B Vaccine Information
Hepatitis B Fact Sheet
Hepatitis C Information
HCV Advocate
American Liver Foundation