What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a viral infection that can cause inflammation of the liver. We screen for Hepatitis A, B and C once a year.
Hepatitis A is typically more associated with travelling and eating undercooked food, however it can be acquired through some sexual acts such as rimming. Hepatitis A can make a person quite sick however most people recover from it – it is not a lifelong infection.
Hepatitis B can be acquired a few ways including through sexual activity. In Ontario, Hepatitis B is part of routine immunization in school but some people either were never vaccinated, or their immunity has worn off. Most people who acquire Hepatitis B will recover from it, however in some people it can remain as a lifelong infection.
Hepatitis C can be acquired through blood exposure including shared drug use. It less commonly can be acquired through sexual activity. There is no available vaccine, although current treatment is highly effective.