Educate yourself

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are viruses that attack the liver.
Hepatitis is a general term for several different types of liver infections. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are among the most common causes of infection.

Hepatitis A
  • Transmitted from person to person or through contaminated food or water.
  • Commonly spread through unsanitary conditions.
Most people feel better within 2 months, but the illness can last as long as 9 months.

Hepatitis B
Spreads through activities that cause contact with infectious blood or bodily fluids. Symptoms can last up to 6 months.
  • About 1 to 20 people develop chronic infection, which can be fatal.

Be Smart

The highest rates of hepatitis A and acute hepatitis B among adults are for individuals 24 to 44 years of age.
You can catch hepatitis A by:
  • Having unprotected sex, especially with many partners.
  • Engaging in sexual behavior, such as oral / anal contact that may involve fecal - oral exposure.
  • Traveling to an area where hepatitis A is common.
  • Eating contaminated food at home or in restaurants.
  • Drinking contaminated water or other liquids.
  • Injecting or using illegal drugs.


You can catch hepatitis B by:
  • Having unprotected sex with an infected person.
  • Traveling to an area where hepatitis B is common.
  • Sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes or razors.
  • Getting body piercings or tattoos.
  • Working in the healthcare field.
  • Handling contaminated needles or blood.
  • Injecting or using illegal drugs.

Be Aware

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B can make you ill for months. These viruses have similar symptoms, some of which include:
  • Low energy, fatigue.
  • Fever.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Headache.
  • Muscle soreness.
  • Pain in the belly.
  • Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
  • Nausea.
  • 30% of people with hepatitis A and 50% of people with hepatitis B have no signs or symptoms.