Hepatitis A – Caught by consuming food and drink contaminated with the faeces of an infected person, only common in parts of the world where sanitation is poor. Symptoms include pain, nausea and itching. There is no specific treatment but vaccination is recommended if you are travelling to areas where the virus is common, such as the Indian subcontinent, Africa, Central and South America, the Far East and Eastern Europe.

Hepatitis B – Spread in the blood of an infected person and can be spread by pregnant women to their babies or from child to child contact. In rarer cases it can be spread through unprotected sex and injecting drugs. Vaccination is recommended for high risk groups such as health care workers, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men and people travelling to Southeast Asia and Sun-Saharan Africa.

Hepatitis C – Spread by blood to blood contact with an infected person (most common form of Hepatitis in the UK). It is caused through sharing needles used to inject drugs. Many people are unaware that they are infected with hepatitis C because of only its flu-like symptoms. 1 in 4 people will fight off the infection, but for the others, effective antiviral medication must be used because there is currently no vaccination.

Hepatitis D – Only affects people with hepatitis B, spread through blood to blood contact or sexual contact. Is more widespread in parts of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America. There is no vaccination but protection can be increased with the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Hepatitis E – The most common cause of acute hepatitis in the UK. Caught by consuming food and drink contaminated with faeces of an infected person (similar to hepatitis A), however hepatitis E is general a short term infection which doesn’t require treatment. More common in people with a suppressed immune system, such as those who may have an organ transplant.


Alcoholic hepatitis – Caused by drinking alcohol excessively over a long period of time. This is most common in the UK. By stopping drinking alcohol you can recover, but continuous consumption can lead to the development of cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

Autoimmune hepatitis – A rarer form of hepatitis whereby the immune system attacks and damages the liver. The cause is not clear, but immune-suppressive medicines can be used to successfully reduce inflammation.

Symptoms

Pain in muscles and joints
A high temperature (38 degrees or above)
Feeling nauseous and vomiting
Feeling unusually fatigued constantly
Generally feeling unwell
Loss of appetite
Dark coloured urine
Pale, dark coloured faeces
Itchy skin
Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)

Prevention

Washing hands thoroughly
Avoiding contact with blood
Going to reputable shops for tattoos and piercings
Ensuring that your food is clean
Not having unprotected sex
Using Cannon Hygiene’s Activap – The number 1 germicide that kills 99.999% of infectious bacteria that may be contained in a Feminine Hygiene Unit.

Always get tested

Thanks for autoimmune lecture