Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the liver.
Hepatitis can lead to a range of health problems including cancer and liver failure. It can be fatal. The liver is crucial as it removes toxins from the blood, is involved in metabolism and regulates blood clotting, among other functions.
There are several types of hepatitis, but the most common ones are caused by viral infections. These include hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses, each with its own mode of transmission, severity, and treatment. D, E, F and G are very rare.
Here we take a look in more detail at A, B, and C.
Testing and screening is taking place across Calderdale as part of Mission Zero!
Hepatitis A
Typically spread through contaminated food or water or close contact (e.g., having sex with someone who has the infection) with an infected person. Hepatitis A is typically a short-term illness and does not lead to chronic liver problems.
- Hepatitis A only causes acute (short term) infection.
- Most cases are diagnosed by GPs rather than sexual health clinics and no special treatment is needed.
- A blood test will confirm whether you have picked up the virus.
- Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A. Vaccines are not routinely offered in the UK because the risk of getting infected is low. You only need to get a vaccine if you are at high risk of catching or getting seriously ill from hepatitis A — find out more
Hepatitis B
Transmitted through contact with infectious blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. It can be acute or chronic. Chronic hepatitis B infection can lead to severe liver damage, including cirrhosis or liver cancer.
- Affects millions of people around the world.
- Passed on by blood-to-blood contact.
- Infections of over six months are called chronic hepatitis B and are usually lifelong.
- Mostly picked up at birth or as a small child.
- In some people leads to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
- There is a free and very effective vaccine.
- Cannot be cured, but can be controlled.
- In the UK vaccination against hepatitis B is available for free to babies, people at high risk of hepatitis B and people who have just been exposed to the virus (emergency vaccination) — find out more
Hepatitis C
Primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles or receiving blood transfusions with infected blood. Without treatment, hepatitis C can cause serious damage to the liver. If Hepatitis C goes untreated it can cause fibrosis cirrhosis and liver cancer would be better.
With treatment, it’s usually possible to cure hepatitis C after just a few months.
- Passed on by blood-to-blood contact.
- Many people won’t have symptoms for months or even years.
- Can be diagnosed and checked using blood tests.
- Free home tests are available in England — find out more
- There is no vaccine.
- Can be easily treated. Most people have no side effects.
- If not treated, hepatitis C can be very dangerous.
Co-infection
Both hepatitis B and C and HIV are passed on via blood-to-blood contact. If you have hepatitis C as well as HIV and/or hepatitis B, this is called co-infection.
- People living with HIV have an increased risk of hepatitis C, therefore hepatitis C testing is recommended for anyone recently diagnosed or living with HIV.
- HIV treatment can be used safely and effectively if you have hepatitis C. You can get treated for both HIV and hepatitis C at the same time.
- Co-infection with HIV and hepatitis C can cause your liver to become severely damaged faster. It’s therefore important to talk to your doctor about treatment straight away if you have hepatitis C and HIV.