Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are liver infections caused by three different viruses. Although each can cause similar symptoms, they are spread in different ways and can affect the liver differently. Hepatitis A is usually a short-term infection. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C can also begin as short-term infections but in some people, the virus remains in the body and causes chronic, or lifelong, infection.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected. Hepatitis A is very contagious. It is spread when someone unknowingly ingests the virus — even in microscopic amounts — through close personal contact with an infected person or through eating contaminated food or drink. Symptoms of hepatitis A can last up to 2 months and include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, and jaundice. Most people with hepatitis A do not have long-lasting illness.
The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that spreads from person to person through blood, semen, and fluids from the vagina. A mother with hepatitis B can also pass it to her baby at birth.
Some people who get hepatitis B can get rid of the virus. Others develop chronic (long-term) hepatitis B — a lifelong infection that can lead to liver disease, liver cancer, and even death.
The good news is there’s a vaccine (shot) to prevent hepatitis B.
To protect yourself and your family from hepatitis B:
- Make sure your children get the hepatitis B vaccine — and ask your doctor if you need it
- Get tested for hepatitis B if you’re pregnant or at risk for infection
- Be safe when you travel to countries where hepatitis B is common
Hepatitis C
There are vaccines to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B; but there is no vaccine available for hepatitis C.
Hep C is usually spread when someone comes into contact with blood from infected person. This can happen through sharing IV needles, razors, toothbrushes, and intranasal equipment with an infected person. The most common way hepatitis C is transmitted today is through needle sharing for drug use.
Canyonlands Hepatitis C Program
You can screen for hepatitis C at Canyonlands Healthcare and receive treatment with oral antiviral medications usually taken once per day. These antiviral medications are extremely good at attacking the virus and preventing it from multiplying. Hep C screening is provided at Canyonlands Healthcare in Page, Beaver Dam, Chilchinbeto, Globe, Safford, Duncan, and Clifton.
Call Samantha Gonzales, Hepatitis C Coordinator at 928-428-1500 ext 3316, to make an appointment.
Sara Bennett, DNP, FNP-C
Family Nurse Practitioner
Hepatitis C Program Director.
