hepatitisThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates the month of May as Hepatitis Awareness Month in the United States. May 19th is designated as Hepatitis Testing Day. Throughout the month of May the CDC is joined by its public health partners in raising awareness of viral hepatitis, and encouraging those who are at risk to get tested.

Viral Hepatitis: What is it?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It is most frequently caused by a virus. There are several types of Hepatitis, and in the United States, the most common are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

Toxins, some medications, certain medical conditions and heavy alcohol use can also cause hepatitis.

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are the two types most commonly caused by drug use. In support of Hepatitis Awareness Month, the following guide can be used to learn about Hepatitis, its prevention and treatment.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A, an acute liver disease, is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). The duration of the disease ranges from a mild illness of a few weeks in length, to a severe illness several months in length.

Hepatitis A does not lead to chronic Hepatitis infection.

This type of Hepatitis is transmitted by ingesting even microscopic amounts of fecal matter. Ingesting contaminated drinks of food; contact with drinks, food or objects contaminated by the feces of an infected person; or close person-to-person contact are also means of transmission.

There is a vaccination to prevent Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B, a liver disease, is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It ranges in severity from a mild illness of a few weeks duration to a serious long-term illness which can lead to liver cancer or liver disease.

Acute Hepatitis B

This is a short-term illness caused by the Hepatitis B virus, occurring within the initial 6 months after exposure to the virus. The acute infection can lead to a chronic infection, but does not always do so.

Chronic Hepatitis B

This is a long-term illness caused by the Hepatitis B virus remaining in the person’s body. It is a serious disease, and can result in long-term health problems or death.

Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with blood, semen or other body fluids infected with the virus. Sex with infected persons and sharing contaminated drug-injection needs are common causes. A Hepatitis B infected mother can pass the disease to her newborn.

There is a Hepatitis B vaccination recommended by the CDC for at-risk adults for Hepatitis B prevention.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C, a liver disease, is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). A Hepatitis C infection sometimes causes an acute illness of a few weeks duration. It can become a serious, life-long illness. Most often, it becomes a chronic condition which can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.

Acute Hepatitis C

Acute Hepatitis C is a short-term illness occurring within 6 months of initial exposure to the Hepatitis C virus. For most people, Acute Hepatitis C leads to a chronic infection.

Chronic Hepatitis C

Chronic Hepatitis C is a serious disease, resulting in long-term health problems, or death.

Hepatitis C is transmitted through contact with blood of an infected person. The primary means of transmission today is sharing contaminated drug-injection needles, or other drug-injection equipment.

Prior to 1992 when widespread blood-supply screening in the United States began, Hepatitis C was commonly spread through organ transplants and blood transfusions.

There is no vaccination to prevent Hepatitis C. The best prevention is to refrain from or avoid injection drug-use, or other behaviors that spread the disease.

Those Most at Risk

According to the CDC, those populations most at risk of Viral Hepatitis are:

  • Asian and Pacific Islanders: Hepatitis B
  • As a STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease): Hepatitis A, B & C
  • HIV/AIDS: Hepatitis B & C
  • MSM ( Men who have Sex with Men): Hepatitis A, B & C
  • PWID (People who Inject Drugs): Hepatitis A, B & C
  • African Americans: Hepatitis C

Awareness of Viral Hepatitis—what it is and how it is transmitted—is a vital part of its prevention. If you or someone you love is or has been an injection drug user, it is recommended by the CDC that you get testing for the Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus infection.