Hepatitis Testing

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.