Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Most often caused by a virus. There are 5 types of hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E) but B and C are the most common.

Hepatitis B Symptoms

Most people do not experience any symptoms when newly infected. However, some people have acute illness with symptoms that lasts several weeks, including yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. A small subset of persons with acute hepatitis can develop acute liver failure, which can lead to death.

Hepatitis C Symptoms

Following initial infection, approximately 80% of people do not exhibit any symptoms. Those who are acutely symptomatic may exhibit fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, grey-coloured faeces, joint pain, and jaundice (yellowing of skin and the whites of the eyes).

Infection

Hepatitis B and C are more infectious than HIV and are spread when infected blood or bodily fluids enters the body.

Testing

Talk to your doctor about a hepatitis B or C test today. If you test positive your doctor will assist you with advice for treatment and management to avoid spreading the virus.

Vaccination

You can be vaccinated for Hepatitis B – talk to your doctor.

Cure

Both infections can be managed, and Hepatitis C can be cured. Talk to your doctor.