Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis can be caused by many things, including viruses. There are three types of viral hepatitis that are most commonly reported: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. All three viruses cause very similar illnesses, but there are some important distinctions:
- Hepatitis A does not result in a lifelong infection and has a vaccine available.
- Hepatitis B can sometimes result in lifelong infection and has a vaccine available.
- Hepatitis C often results in lifelong infection. There is no vaccine available, but treatment is available.
Hepatitis Prevention Program
The Florida Department of Health provides no-cost viral hepatitis testing and vaccines to individuals at risk for viral hepatitis infection. Individuals who are at risk or has been in close contact or has tested positive for hepatitis A, B, or C can contact DOH-Seminole’s Viral Hepatitis Prevention Program at 407-665-3243 to discuss testing and vaccination options.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is found in feces and in the intestinal tract. It can be spread by:
- Ingesting fecal matter (even in very small amounts) from objects, food, and drinks contaminated by the feces/stool of an infected person
- Eating contaminated food prepared by an infected person who did not wash their hands properly
- Anal/oral sexual practices
- Eating contaminated shellfish
- Drinking contaminated water
The hepatitis A virus is rarely transmitted via the blood-borne route, and is never transmitted through the air or by casual contact such as coughing, sneezing, or being in the same area as an infected person.
A public health emergency was issued in August 2019 by Florida Surgeon General, Dr. Scott Rivkees, related to significant increases in hepatitis A across Florida.
Hepatitis A Risk Factors
- Ingesting fecal matter (even in very small amounts) from objects, food, and drinks contaminated by the feces/stool of an infected person
- Eating contaminated food prepared by an infected person who did not wash their hands properly
- Anal/oral sexual practices
- Eating contaminated shellfish
- Drinking contaminated water
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is found in blood, seminal fluids, vaginal secretions, and other body fluids. The virus can be spread by:
- Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, especially among persons with multiple sex partners or men who have sex with men (MSM)
- Contact with contaminated needles, especially injection drug equipment. Other items such as tattoo and body piercing instruments, razors, and toothbrushes may be contaminated with infected blood.
- An infected mother to her infant during delivery
- Household contact with an infected person
- Occupational exposure through accidental needle stick
The hepatitis B virus is not airborne, and is never transmitted through casual contact such as coughing, sneezing, being in the same area as an infected person, or by consuming contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B Risk Factors
- Sharing equipment that has been contaminated with blood from an infected person, such as needles and syringes.
- Receiving a blood transfusion before 1992.
- Birth to an infected mother.
- Sex with an infected person.
- Sharing personal items that may come in contact with blood (e.g., toothbrush, razor).
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) typically produces a symptomless liver infection that can lead, over decades, to severe liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Most of those infected are unaware that they have the disease and may serve as unknowing sources of transmission. Hepatitis C is found in blood and can be spread by:
- Sharing injection drug equipment
- Blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
- Receiving clotting factor concentrates before 1987
- An infected mother to her infant during delivery
- Occupational exposure through needle stick
- Sexual contact (rarely)
Hepatitis C Risk Factors
- Sharing equipment that has been contaminated with blood from an infected person, such as needles and syringes.
- Receiving a blood transfusion before 1992.
- Birth to an infected mother.
- Sex with an infected person.
- Sharing personal items that may come in contact with blood (e.g., toothbrush, razor).