Playin' It Safe

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It is caused by a virus. The most common types are Hepatitis A, B and C.

How is it passed on?

Hepatitis A is caught through the contamination of food and water with faeces. Hepatitis B and C can be passed on by unprotected sex or sharing drug injecting equipment.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• A short, flu-like illness
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
• Weight loss
• Jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, darker yellow urine and pale faeces)
• Itchy skin
• Abdominal pain

What are the tests and treatments?

To test for Hepatitis a blood sample is taken. Hepatitis A and B can be prevented by vaccination. There is no vaccination for Hepatitis C.

More information

You can get more information about Hepatitis from AVERT at www.avert.org/hepatitis.htm