Hepatitis
is the inflammation (swelling or tenderness) of the liver.
People all
around the world are living with hepatitis. People who have lived in countries
where hepatitis is common (such as Egypt)
have a higher risk of being infected with a hepatitis virus than people who have
always lived in Australia.
Many people
don't know how different types of viral hepatitis are transmitted. They may not
realise that they have been exposed to these viruses, or that they are putting
others at risk of being infected. The only way to know is to have a blood test.
types of hepatitis
There are
different types of hepatitis viruses and they are spread in different ways. The
common types of hepatitis are:
Hepatitis A
This is
spread through infected faeces (poo) taken in by mouth. This can happen by
eating food that had been touched by someone who has not washed their hands
after going to the toilet; or by drinking water that has been contaminated by
sewage.
Hepatitis B
This is
spread through sex (through semen or vaginal fluids); by infected blood
entering the bloodstream; or from mother to child during pregnancy or
childbirth. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) .
Hepatitis C
This is
spread through contact with infected blood. This can happen by sharing equipment
that may have blood on it (like syringes, razors or toothbrushes).
It can also
be spread by tattooing or other practices where sharp instruments are used to
cut the skin. If these instruments are not sterilised, they can spread the
virus. Hepatitis C can be spread through a blood transfusion or organ
transplant if the hospital does not check whether there are viruses in the
donated blood and organs. It can also be passed from an infected mother to
child during pregnancy or birth.
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Is hepatitis a problem in Australia?
People with
hepatitis B in Australia
may have been infected while living or travelling in other countries. It can
also be found in some migrant or refugee communities that have come from high
prevalence countries.
Thousands of people in Australia
have hepatitis C. In Australia,
the greatest risk factor for getting hepatitis C is sharing injecting drug
equipment.
Hepatitis A
is not common in Australia.
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can hepatitis be treated?
There are
different types of treatments for different types of hepatitis. Some, like
hepatitis A and B, can be prevented with a vaccine but there is no vaccine for
hepatitis C.
How well the treatment works can depend on the type of
hepatitis you have and how much liver damage has occurred before you start
treatment. Without treatment, people with hepatitis may develop cirrhosis or
liver cancer.
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more information
How can
women protect themselves?
How can
men protect themselves?
How to
get tested
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