So…what’s Hepatitis anyways?

Hepatitis is a disease caused by a virus that produces an inflammation and infection of the liver. Around 5% of us will develop one form of Hepatitis during our lifetime

Hepatitis A is mainly transmitted either by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with the virus or by sexual contact.  Poor hygiene or sanitary conditions are favorable for the transmission of Hepatitis.  This infection is found more often in persons from some countries such as Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. Sexual transmission of Hepatitis A is found in men having sex with men. The first symptoms, if any, appear from 2 to 6 weeks after being infected.

Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted by having sex or coming in contact with contaminated blood.  This virus can be transmitted by blood, sperm, vaginal secretions, saliva and liquid coming from a wound. A mother can also transmit the infection to her baby at birth, but early treatment will prevent the baby from developing the disease.  This infection is found more often in persons from some countries such as Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. The first symptoms, if any, appear from 2 to 3 months after being infected.

Hepatitis C is mainly transmitted by blood (transfusion, intravenous drug use with infected material).  Sexual transmission is possible but rare.  Hepatitis C is not found in sperm, vaginal secretions or saliva.  Sexual transmission is only possible if there are genital sores and contact between these sores and infected blood. For example, a sore on the penis comes in contact with an infected woman during her periods. The first symptoms, if any, appear from 2 to 3 months after being infected.

How is Hepatitis detected, treated and prevented?

If you are infected, most of the time, you will not have symptoms. But you might feel tired, have your appetite, or have stomachaches, vomiting or even jaundice (your eyes and/or skin turn yellow). Sometimes, but rarely, the disease becomes so severe that you will need to be hospitalized with special care.

Two to 6 weeks after being infected by the Hepatitis A virus, you are contagious but do not present any symptoms.  About 90% of people have no symptoms, which means the infection grows undetected!  In the remaining 10%, symptoms include: fever, liver pain, loss of appetite, itchiness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, and jaundice that can last as long as a month. The infection clears by itself.

Two to 3 months after being infected by the Hepatitis B virus, you are contagious but do not have any symptoms. About 90% of people have no symptoms, which means the infection grows undetected!  For the others, the symptoms are the same as with Hepatitis A.  Hepatitis B will clear by itself for 90% of those infected. The remaining 10% might become chronic carriers, and be contagious.  That means that the person can carry the virus for the rest of their lives without necessarily being sick.  But 60% of chronic carriers develop active chronic hepatitis that may cause great damage to their liver.

Two to 3 months after being infected by the Hepatitis C virus, you are contagious but do not have any symptoms. After this time, 10% to 20% of people have symptoms of acute hepatitis.  This phase lasts about 3 months with the same symptoms and signs as in hepatitis A. The problem with hepatitis C is that more infected people develop chronic hepatitis and damage to the liver.

There is presently no cure for any form of Hepatitis in the acute phase of the disease.  During the acute phase, the only treatments available are rest, a light diet and avoiding certain medications (like oral contraceptives) and alcohol.

Those that are chronic carriers of Hepatitis B or C or that have chronic hepatitis can be treated with very specialized medicine over a long period of time. Some hepatitis B carriers will then eliminate the virus.

There is a vaccine available for Hepatitis A.  A vaccine will effectively protect you against hepatitis A for a period of 10 years.  Keep in mind that vaccines only work if they are administered before a person is infected.  Vaccination is recommended for travelers to countries where hepatitis is frequent. It is also recommended for homosexual men.

There is also a Hepatitis B vaccine available. Most children have been vaccinated in Canada. If you think you are at risk, it is definitely a good precaution to take.

Remember a condom is ALWAYS a good option to prevent the infections !

What are the possible complications?

Most people will recover without any medication after a period of 6 months.  You can’t catch the same hepatitis virus twice, which means that if you have caught it once, you are effectively protected.

However, some people remain virus carriers for life.  They have a greater chance of developing chronic hepatitis that can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.

In some rare cases, acute Hepatitis B can be dramatic.  Urgent treatment is needed and the death rate is high. Treatment of this condition sometimes requires a liver transplant.

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Website developped and offered by the Canadian Association for Adolescent Health
Last modification: 2006-02-01