 
Hepatitis Basics
For more information on: Hepatitis A,
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a virus that infects the liver. This important
organ filters toxins from your bloodstream. Whenever you take
drugs, medication, and especially when you drink alcohol, they
all pass through your liver.
The most common types of Hepatitis are A, B
and C. There are actually 7 types that have been identified,
but Hepatitis D, E, F, and G are much more rare. We'll only
talk about the first three.
Hepatitis can become a serious, chronic illness
which can cause liver damage, cirrohsis, and liver cancer.
What are the symptoms?
These can include fatigue (feeling tired), loss of appetite,
belly ache, nausea, throwing up, fever, and yellowing of the
skin or the whites of the eyes.
Many people don't feel any symptoms at all,
and many people aren't aware they're infected.
What’s the difference between
the different types?
While all types of hepatitis cause damage to the liver, Hepatitis
A, B and C have different ways of being transmitted and different
long term consequences. You can become infected with more than
one type of Hepatitis at the same time.
How do I get tested?
If you are concerned that you have been exposed to Hepatitis,
you should make an appointment with your doctor or visit your
local CLSC for more information. The only way to be sure if
someone has Hepatitis is through a blood test.
What about our workplace?
As long as your workplace follows universal precautions, there
should be no problems. You and your clients can still share
a kitchen, a couch, support through hugs and holding hands,
and lots of other things. What exactly should you be concerned
about? Check out our AIDS in the Workplace
page, and you’ll see that most of your safety practices
are already keeping your environment healthy and happy, but
there’s always room for improvement.
What about tattooing and piercing?
If it’s done properly, getting a tattoo or a piercing
can be safe. To find out how, read our tattooing and
piercing page!
How can I use drugs safely?
If you’re using drugs it’s especially important
to take care of yourself. Check out our drug page
to find out how you can stay healthy while using drugs.
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