How do you get it?

Hepatitis A is passed through feces, so you can get it by having anal sex with someone who is infected and not washing afterwards or from oral to anal contact with someone who is infected.

You can also get Hepatitis A from someone who is infected and doesn't wash their hands after using the bathroom or changing a baby's diaper.

You can also get Hepatitis A from direct contact with contaminated blood, but it's rare.

The best way to avoid Hepatitis A is to get the vaccine. Good handwashing will also prevent Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

How do you get it?

? Having sex with someone who's HBV.
? Sharing needles (syringes) or equipment to use drugs (works) with someone who's HBV
? Receiving a blood transfusion that contains HBV.
? Sharing household items such as razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers or earrings with someone who's HBV.
? Touching any blood or bodily fluids which contain HBV.
? Mothers who've HBV may also infect their babies during childbirth.
? The best way to protect yourself from contracting HBV is to get the vaccine.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

How do you get it?

Sharing needles (syringes) or equipment to use drugs (works) with someone who's HCV.

Receiving a blood transfusions that contains HCV.

You can get HCV the following ways, but it's less common:

? Touching any blood or bodily fluids which contain HCV.
? Having sex with someone who's HCV

Mothers who've the disease may also infect their babies during childbirth.

What are the signs of Hepatitis?

Sometimes there are no symptoms. When there are symptoms, they include:

? Yellowing of the skin
? Yellow in the whites of the eyes
? Tiredness
? Loss of appetite
? Nausea
? Stomach pain
? Dark colored urine
? Grey-colored bowel movements
? Joint pain.

What are the effects?

Individuals who get Hepatitis B and C have the infection for life. It increases the risk for cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and liver failure, all of which can result in death.

Is there a cure?

No, but HAV and HBV may be prevented when you get the vaccine. Call your medical provider today to get it.

If you have HBV or HCV there are medications that may help.