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The ABCs of Hepatitis
Blythe Miller, 05.06.08
May is National Hepatitis Awareness Month. There are three different hepatitis viruses that can infect the liver — hepatitis A, B, and C. |
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May is National Hepatitis Awareness Month. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. There are three different hepatitis viruses that can infect the liver — hepatitis A, B, and C. They can be sexually transmitted, and some types can cause very serious diseases.
Wait, three different kinds?
That's right. Hepatitis C, or HCV, is passed through direct contact with an infected person's blood. It can spread during sex, although it's very uncommon. A person is much more likely to contract HCV during sex if either partner also has another sexually transmitted infection (STI). For most people, HCV is a long-term infection that causes chronic liver disease.
Hepatitis A, or HAV, is spread by infected fecal matter that gets into the mouth — from contaminated food, for example. HAV usually spreads when people do not wash their hands after using the bathroom, and it's possible for the virus to pass from one sex partner to another.
Unlike HCV, HAV is not a long-term infection. People who have been infected cannot be infected again. And there is a vaccine to protect people from HAV. Most states require kids to have HAV vaccine before they enter school.
Hepatitis B, or HBV, is spread through semen, vaginal fluids, blood, and urine. Because HBV is the type most likely to be sexually transmitted, it's the one we'll focus on. So keep reading...
How many people have hepatitis B?
Each year, about 46,000 American women, men, and children become infected with HBV. But the number is dropping every year because there is also a vaccine for HBV and most states require kids to have it before they enter school.
Does HBV have symptoms?
It can, but HBV is one of those tricky viruses that can have no symptoms at all. In fact, 50 per cent of adults who contract HBV will have no symptoms.
When symptoms do occurr, they usually appear between six weeks and six months after infection.
Common early symptoms include
- extreme fatigue
- tenderness and pain in the lower abdomen
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- joint pain
- headache
- fever
- hives
Later symptoms include
- more severe abdominal pain
- dark-colored urine
- pale-colored bowel movements
- jaundice — yellowing of the skin and eyes
How do I know if I have hepatitis B?
Find out if you have been vaccinated. If not, only a blood test performed by a health care provider can diagnose HBV.
How is the virus spread?
Hepatitis B is very contagious. It is spread by through semen, vaginal fluids, blood, and urine. This means possible ways of contracting the virus include
- having sexual intercourse without a latex or female condom
- having unprotected oral sex
- sharing needles and other "works" to inject drugs
- sharing personal hygiene utensils like toothbrushes and razors
- accidental pricks with contaminated needles (during health care)
HBV can also be passed from mother to infant during birth, so a pregnant woman who may have been exposed should be tested before giving birth. Unless treated at birth, more than 90 percent of infants born to women with HBV will carry the virus, but immediate treatment of the infant can be 90 to 95 percent effective! So it's important that a pregnant woman with HBV take necessary precautions.
Is there a cure?
No. Unfortunately, there's no cure for HBV. But the good news is that most of the time, adults recover completely! In 90 to 95 percent of cases, hepatitis B goes away by itself within four to eight weeks. The remaining five to 10 percent of adults who contract HBV, however, will suffer from long-term infection, becoming what is called a "carrier."
Carriers of the virus are generally contagious for their whole lives, and are more likely to transmit the virus than someone who has an active short-term infection. There are an estimated 1-1.4 million carriers of hepatitis B in the U.S. Drugs can be prescribed to carriers to help treat HBV, but they do not cure it.
Is HBV dangerous?
It can be. Chronic infections can cause severe liver damange and liver cancer. Fifteen to 25 percent of people infected with chronic HBV will die from conditions related to the virus. Short-term infections typically do not pose serious health threats.
Am I at risk for hepatitis B?
Those at highest risk for contracting HBV include
- people who have multiple sex partners
- people whose sex partners have multiple sex partners
- people who don't use condoms
- people with a history of other STIs
- babies born to mothers with HBV
- injection drug users
- people who live with someone with chronic HBV
- health care workers
I have HBV. How can I avoid spreading it to my partner?
Latex and female condoms offer protection against sexual transmission of hepatitis B, so use one every time you have sex.
Oral sex is not as risky as vaginal or anal intercourse are for STIs. But to further reduce the risk, you can use a GLYDE dam, cut-open condom, or plastic wrap to cover the vulva or a condom to cover the penis.
How can I protect myself against hepatitis B?
You can
- Get the HBV vaccine.
- Use a latex or female condom every time you have sex.
- Abstain from sexual intercourse.
- Don't "shoot" drugs, especially with "unclean" needles or "works."
- Don't share items such as razors or toothbrushes — they may have infected blood on them.
There's a vaccine?
That's right! And it's a very effective one. Routinely given to people up to age 18, it's administered in three doses, spread over the course of four to six months.
The vaccine has proven very successful in reducing HBV rates. And it is required before kids can enter school in most states. But if you're not sure if you've received the vaccine, ask your health care provider. It's certainly worth the three visits to your doctor or clinician to eliminate your risk of contracting HBV!
I think I've been exposed to HBV. Is there anything I can do?
Yes. If you have not already received the vaccine, see your health care provider as soon as possible. You can reduce your risk of infection by getting treatment — Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and the HBV vaccine — within 14 days after being exposed.
Where can I get tested and treated for hepatitis?
Planned Parenthood health centers, other clinics, doctors, and health departments offer testing, treatment, and counseling.
To make an appointment for testing or treatment at a Planned Parenthood health center near you, call 1-800-230-PLAN or find us online. |
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