What you need to know

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are viral infections that affect your liver.

• Phases-
  • The acute phase may or may not cause illness.
  • Chronic infection can be fatal (cause death) without treatment*.
• Spread through contact with blood.
  • Oral, anal, vaginal sex without the use of a condom.
  • Tattoos or piercings with unsterilized and contaminated instruments.
  • Sharing of needles during IV drug use.
• Testing: Blood test
• Treatment:
  • Hep C- Antiviral drugs- 90% cure
  • Hep B- No cure. Vaccine available- Usually given when an infant

Resources

Refer to the Birth Control and Contraception page for testing and treatment services and resources.* Refer to the Sexually Transmitted Infection page for hepatitis information and contraception use.