What is Hepatitis?

I get asked this question a lot. And when I answer, I usually get blank stares and looks of confusion – particularly when I explain that there are several types of hepatitis, and each type is generally transmitted differently. Since confusion – along with infection rates – is always something I want to reduce, this month’s column is as good a time as ever to talk about hepatitis. 

Let’s focus on the basics. Although there are many different types of hepatitis, I am going to concentrate on the three most common viral types of this disease – that is, types A, B and C. The term hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver, and swelling may impair the liver’s ability to function effectively. Inflammation of the liver may also lead to scarring or cirrhosis. Sometimes hepatitis can be acute and resolve rather quickly. Other cases may be chronic and may become progressively worse with time and with other factors. For example, the consequences of hepatitis can be exaggerated in someone with another chronic infection, such as HIV.

Viral hepatitis such as types A, B and C is generally transmitted when feces come into contact with the mouth, through contact with blood during sexual activity and/or through injection drug use.

You may have read news stories about outbreaks of hepatitis A in restaurants or about outbreaks at a community event. Hepatitis A is generally transmitted through fecal-oral contact. This occurs when an infected person does not wash his or her hands after going to the bathroom and then transmits the virus to food products that they eat or prepare for someone else. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted during sexual activity, particularly through acts like “rimming” or anal sex.

Hepatitis A is generally considered an acute infection, and usually causes gastrointestinal illness such as diarrhea, vomiting, malaise and other flu-like symptoms. But treatment is available that can lessen the severity and the length of the infection. It is important that anyone infected with hepatitis A seek care as this is a highly infectious disease and controlling its spread is important. A vaccine for hepatitis A is also available; it is strongly recommended for anyone who works in the food industry as well as for anyone who engages in anal sex.

Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through contact with an infected person’s blood and/or body fluids. Transmission of these two types most commonly occurs during sexual activity or injection drug use that involves sharing needles. Both hepatitis B and C can result in acute or chronic infection. The treatment is primarily supportive care, and it is strongly recommended that anyone with chronic infection refrain from alcohol and drug use. Chronic infection is generally progressive and may lead to the need for liver transplantation.

The symptoms of hepatitis B and C are similar: they usually involve malaise, stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, fever and a yellowing around the eyes and skin (jaundice). Many people who are infected do not have symptoms, or symptoms do not appear until later in the disease.

The Hepatitis B requires a series of three shots in order to provide full protection. There is currently no vaccine available to protect against hepatitis C. Immunization for hepatitis B is recommended for anyone who is sexually active and for anyone who injects drugs.
 
Any healthcare provider can give you a hepatitis A or B vaccine. Hepatitis A and B combination vaccines are available at the Salt Lake Valley Health Department for $54 per shot. The Utah AIDS Foundation currently has a limited supply of vouchers available to help offset the cost of vaccine for men who have sex with men.

To make an appointment for a vaccine you can call the Salt Lake Valley Health Department Immunization Clinic at 534-4568 or the Utah AIDS Foundation at 487-2323.