Hepatitis A, B & C
Hepatitis A
What is it?
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It is usually a mild disease that lasts for a few weeks.
How do you get it?
Hepatitis A germs must get into the mouth and be swallowed to cause infection. It can happen through:
- not washing your hands after going to the toilet or touching goonna or kuma of someone with Hepatitis A
- eating food or drinking water that has been spoiled by sewage
- licking the bum of a person with Hepatitis A
Sign and symptoms
Many people don't get symptoms - Hepatitis A symptoms are:
- a flu like illness
- fever
- tired
- joint pain
- nausea (belly sick)
- vomiting for a 4-10 days then the person gets jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
- pale goona/kuma an dark urine (pee) which lasts for 1-3 weeks
Prevention
- vaccinate all adults and children at increased risk
- wash hands after toilet, before and after preparing food, and after sex
- wash hands after changing nappies
Treatment
- see a doctor if you feel sick
- drink lots of water
- rest
- don't eat fatty foods
- stay away from grog
Hepatitis B
What is it?
Hepatits B is an infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It can be mild or severe and can last for weeks or many years. It can lead to liver disease or liver cancer.
How do you get it?
You can get Hepatitis B through sexual or blood to blood contact with a person who has Hepatitis B.
If you get Hepatitis B as an adult you are more likely to only have it for a short time if you go on treatment.
Signs and symptoms
30-50% of adults get symptoms. Children usually don't get symptoms.
Hepatitis B symtoms are:
- flu-like symptoms
- tiredness
- joint pain
- right upper belly pain
- may get yellow skin
- nausea
- pale goonna/ kuma, dark urine (pee)
Prevention
Hepatitis B has a vaccine (needle) for prevention.
- vaccinate all children and adults at increased risk
- don't share tattoo or piercing equipment
- don't share razors or toothbrushes
- have safe sex - use condoms and lube
- cover cuts and sores
- don't share injecting equipment
Get vaccinated! Free to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Treatment
Treatment is sometimes recommended for people who have Hepatitis B. Talk to your doctor.
Hepatitis C
What is it?
Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. It is a slow acting virus which sometimes leads to liver damage, liver failure or cancer.
How do you get it?
You can get hepatitis C through blood to blood contact such as sharing injecting, piercing and tattooing equipment with a person who has hep C.
If you have ever injected drugs or been in prison, have a hep C test.
Signs and symptoms
- generally there are NO symptoms at all
- may develop vomiting
- right side belly and back pain
- always tired
Prevention
There is no vaccination for Hepatitis C
- don't share tattooing or piercing equipment
- don't share razors or toothbrushes
- don't share injecting equipment
- use Needle and Syringe Program and dispose of all injecting equipment safely
Treatment
Treatment is available - talk to your doctor or clinic.