This document provides information about viral hepatitis, focusing on hepatitis A, B, and C. It discusses the transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and long-term effects of each virus. Hepatitis A and B can be prevented through vaccines, while hepatitis C has no vaccine and is transmitted through blood. Over time, untreated hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer, though many people have no symptoms for decades. Genotypes determine treatment options for hepatitis C.

1. CHOW: Viral HepatitisHepatitis Education Project911 Western Avenue, Suite 302Seattle, WA

2. Hepatitis TopicsWhat are the hepatitis viruses?Hepatitis C transmissionHepatitis C diagnosis and progression

3. Hepatitis virusesHepatitis AFecal-Oral Transmission CycleAcute InfectionHepatitis BTransmitted through infected blood and bodily fluids (semen and vaginal fluids)Can be an acute or chronic infectionHepatitis CTransmitted through infected blood

4. Vaccine PreventableHepatitis A vaccine2 shots over six months lifelong protectionHepatitis B vaccine3 shots over six monthslifelong protectionCombination hepatitis A/B vaccine3 shots over six months or 4 shots over 12 monthslifelong protection

5. Hepatitis C TransmissionHepatitis C virus (HCV, hep C) is shared when infected blood enters the bloodstream of another personTattoos: sharing ink or sharps

6. Dialysis: contaminated medical equipment

7. Mother-to-child at birth

8. Higher risk sex

9. Blood transfusion prior to 1992

10. Injection drug use

11. Re-use of needles