Hepatitis A, B, & C

Hepatitis viruses affect liver health. Hepatitis A, B, and C can be considered sexually transmitted, but are often transmitted in other ways too.

Transmission

Hep A is transmitted through fecal-oral contact. Usually, people get Hep A when they eat contaminated food. Unprotected oral sex where the mouth and anus come in contact can also transmit Hep A. Using a condom or dental dam can  help reduce the chance of transmission.

Learn More

For detailed information on the Hepatitis infections, check of the Center for Disease Control. You can also ask us an anonymous question right on our website. If you are experiencing symptoms of an STI, think you’ve been exposed to an STI, or want to talk to a professional, call Teen Clinic to make an appointment with a qualified health care provider.

Hep B is transmitted through blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Using a condom or dental dam can help reduce the chance of transmission.

Hep C is transmitted through blood. Usually, people get Hep C through sharing used needles. Using a condom or dental dam during sexual contact can reduce the chance of transmission.

Symptoms & Complications

Hep A causes an acute infection that can last several weeks to a few months. Symptoms are similar to food poisoning – vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain – but many people do not experience symptoms.

Hep B causes either an acute infection lasting several weeks or a chronic infection lasting long-term. Initial symptoms include flu-like symptoms, dark urine, grey stool, yellow eyes and skin. In 95% of Hep B cases, infected people only have symptoms once, for a short period of time. In very few cases, Hep B can lead to liver cancer and liver disease.

Hep C causes a serious chronic infection lasting for a lifetime. Initial symptoms are similar to Hep B but can ultimately result in liver cancer, liver damage and failure.

Testing

If you are experiencing symptoms or think you’ve been exposed to Hep A, B, or C, it’s very important to get tested. Hepatitis A, B, and C tests are blood draws.

Treatment

Hepatitis is not curable but it is treatable. Symptoms of Hep A typically go away after a short while without medications. Hep B has a vaccine to prevent the virus – most people in the USA receive the vaccine as infants. Otherwise, symptoms of Hep B typically go away after a short while without medication. Symptoms of Hep C can be soothed by medication regiments prescribed by a doctor.