Hepatitis A:-

Hepatitis A is the most common of the seven known types of viral hepatitis. Infection with the hepatitis A virus leads to inflammation of the liver, but complications are rarely serious.

How hepatitis A is spread

The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is found in the faeces of someone infected with the virus. It only takes a tiny amount of faeces getting inside another person’s mouth to cause hepatitis A infection. Personal hygiene, such as careful hand washing, can minimise the risk of the virus being passed on.

HAV is a common infection in many parts of the world where sanitation and sewage infrastructure is poor. Often people become infected with HAV by eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis A is also classed as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) because it can be passed on sexually, particularly during activities such as anilingus (rimming). The washing of genital and anal areas before sex, and the use of condoms or dental dams can help to prevent this risk.

Hepatitis A can affect all age groups. Once a person is exposed to the virus it takes between 2 and 6 weeks to produce symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis A

It is possible to experience mild or no symptoms whatsoever, but even if this is the case the person’s faeces will still be infectious to others. Many people who become infected with HAV will have symptoms that include:

for more infomation on Hepatits A see:--

http://www.avert.org/hepatitis.htm#A

Hepatitis B:-

Hepatitis B is similar to hepatitis A in its symptoms, but is more likely to cause chronic long-term illness and permanent damage to the liver if not treated.

How hepatitis B is spread

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is very common worldwide, with more than 350 million people infected. Those with long term HBV are at high risk of developing liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Hepatitis B is most frequently passed on through the exchange of bodily fluids with an infected person. HBV is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV.¹

HBV can be spread in the following ways:

• by unprotected (without a condom) penetrative sex (when the penis enters the anus, vagina or mouth) with someone who is infectious. Also by sex that draws blood with someone who is infected.
• by sharing contaminated needles or other drug-injecting equipment.
• by using non-sterilised equipment for tattooing, acupuncture or body piercing.
• from an infected mother to her baby, most commonly during delivery. Immunisation of the baby at birth prevents the transmission of hepatitis B.
• through a blood transfusion in a country where blood is not screened for blood-borne viruses such as HBV.

for more infomation on Hepatitis B see:-

http://www.avert.org/hepatitis.htm#B

Hepatitis C:-

Hepatitis C, like other forms of hepatitis, causes inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis C virus is transferred primarily through blood, and is more persistent than hepatitis A or B. Worldwide, estimates suggest 170 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C, with 3 to 4 million people newly infected each year.²

How hepatitis C is spread

High-risk groups are the same in many societies and cultures. They include injecting drug users, people who receive transfusions of unscreened blood, haemophiliacs, dialysis patients and people who have unprotected sex with multiple sex partners.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be spread in the following ways:

• by sharing drug-injecting equipment (needles, heating spoons, etc). This is the primary transmission route for HCV and HIV outside sub-Saharan Africa.
• by using non-sterilised equipment for tattooing, acupuncture or body piercing. This can be a problem in countries where tattooing or scarification is a traditional ritual practice.
• through exposure to blood during unprotected sex with an infected person. Blood may be present because of genital sores, cuts or menstruation. Sexual transmission is an uncommon way of becoming infected with hepatitis C.
• rarely, from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. The risk may be greater if the mother is also infected with HIV.
• through blood transfusion. In many developing countries blood is not screened (tested) for the hepatitis C virus. All blood for transfusion in the UK and USA is tested.
• by sharing equipment used to snort cocaine. Usually this is a rolled banknote, which can become contaminated with blood from a person’s nose.

for more infomation on Hepatitis C see:-

http://www.avert.org/hepatitis.htm#C