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What is it and how is it transmitted?
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by different viruses. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through bodily fluids, including through unprotected penetrative (anal or vaginal) sex. Hepatitis is also transmitted by blood through the sharing of drug paraphernalia or by using non-sterile tattooing or piercing equipment. Transmission can also occur during pregnancy and childbirth.
Symptoms
It is possible to have no symptoms, but when present, they can be experienced for up to several months after infection, or for hepatitis C, up to a few years. Symptoms can include severe fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, pale stools or dark urine, fever, and jaundice.
Complications when left undetected and untreated
Most of the time, hepatitis B resorbs (disappears) after six months, but if the virus persists in the body, the infected person then becomes a “chronic carrier” and risks transmitting it to their partner(s).
Hepatitis C, on the other hand, rarely resorbs on its own and often becomes chronic.
Hepatitis B and C increase one’s risk of serious liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and cancer.
Screening
Screening involves a blood test.
Treatment
Hepatitis B treatments are not very effective, but a vaccine (covered by RAMQ under certain conditions) offers protection against it.
Treatment for hepatitis C is increasingly simple and accessible: it is taken for a few weeks and leads to total recovery in most cases. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
It should be noted that there are other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) such as hepatitis A, human papillomavirus (HPV) and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). We invite you to consult Sex & U for more information.