www.hepatitis.va.gov

IB 10-212P96229October 2009 - Version 2

HEPATIT

AN INTRODUCTORY GU
The full text of this document can be found and 

downloaded at www.hepatitis.va.gov. This document is not copyrighted and users are encouraged to print and distribute as many copies as they need.

Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

QUICK NOTESThis space can be used to write down information that may be provided to booklet.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
30 VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers

DEFINITIONSAdvanced Liver DiseaseSymptoms of advanced liver disease include: fatigue, difficulty concentrating, yellow jaundice, fluid in the abdomen, bleeding and poor blood clotting.Chronic Hepatitis CDisease of the liver that remains throughout the course of the individual’s life.CirrhosisScarring of the liver. It is the end result of damage to the cells in the liver. Cirrhosis can be caused by many things, including viral hepatitis or alcohol, or both.FibrosisMild to moderate scarring of the liver.GenotypeNot all hepatitis C viruses are exactly the same. We know of six different genotypes for hepatitis C. Some of them respond better to treatment than others.Liver BiopsyA procedure in which a small piece of liver is removed with a needle and examined to find out exactly how much liver damage is present. The biopsy is often rated on a scale from 0 (normal liver) to 4 (cirrhosis).Liver CancerA type of cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma, that develops in the liver as a result of viral hepatitis, cirrhosis or alcohol.Viral LoadA measure of how much virus can be found in a test tube of blood. It is affected by many things, including alcohol.

Hepatitis CAn Introductory Gu(October 2009)

VA Hepatitis C and Clinical PuVeterans Health U.S. Departmenwww.hepatitis.v
VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

INFORMATION ON THE INTInformation On Hepatitis C and LiVeteran’s Administration Hepatitis C Whttp://www.hepatitis.va.govCenters for Disease Control (-800-4HEPhttp://www.cdc.gov/hepatitisHCV Advocatehttp://www.hcvadvocate.orgAmerican Liver Foundationhttp://www.liverfoundation.orgInformation On Alcohol Use and MAlcoholics Anonymoushttp://www.alcoholics-anonymous.orgCenters for Substance Abuse Treatmenhttp://csat.samhsa.govNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse/Ahttp://www.niaaa.nih.govAlcohol Screeninghttp://www.alcoholscreening.org
28 VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers

HERBS TO AVOID!If you are curious about alternative and complimentary therapies, then you should ask your health care provider whether or not it would be safe for you to try them.The herbs listed below are known to be dangerous, which means that they are bad for your liver, especially since you have hepatitis C. You will want to avoid these!• Artemesia• Atractylis gummifera• Bush tea• Callilepsis laureola• Chapparal leaf (creosote 

bush, greasewood)

• Comfrey (Symphytum 

officinale)

• Crotalaria• Germander• Gordolobo herbal tea• Heliotropium• Jin-Bu-Huang• Kava

• Kombucha mushroom (tea)• Ma-Huang (Ephedra sinica)• Margosa oil• Mistletoe• Pennyroyal (squawmint oil)• Tansy Ragwort (variation of 

Ragwort)

• Sassafras• Senecio aureus• Senna• Skullcap• Symphytum• Valerian root

a

ylis gumm

h tea

llilepsis laureola

happaral leaf (creosote

ush, 

ComfofficiCrotaGerm

ordo

eliotro

Bu-Hua

ucha mush

(Ephedr

mint 

iation

•S•Senn

Skullcap

mphytum

an root

Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

TABLE OF CO

Contributors .......................First Impressions .................Your Liver ...........................Liver Health Lab Tests .........The Virus ...........................How the Virus Is Spread ......Hepatitis A & B ..................Telling Others .....................Sex and Hepatitis C .............Hepatitis C Treatment ........A Healthier You ..................Useful Resources .................

Making a Change Plan ...Herbs to Avoid! .............Information on the InterDefinitions ....................Quick Notes ..................
2 VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers

CONTRIBUTORS

VA Clinical Public Health Programs Office of the Public Health Strategic Health Care Group: Ronald O. Valdiserri, MD, MPH (Chief Consultant); Janet Durfee, RN, MSN, APRN (Deputy Chief Consultant); David B. Ross, MD, PhD (Director, Clinical Public Health Programs); and Jane Burgess, ACRN, MS (National Program Manager, QUERI HIV/Hepatitis).Jason Dominitz, MD, MHS; Jeff Paulino; Meaghan Larson, MPH; Elizabeth Morrison, MD; Eileen Hansen, ARNP; Norah Sullivan, ARNP; Michael Chapko, PhD; David Indest, PsyD; and the rest of the Northwest Hepatitis C Resource Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA.The VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers in Minneapolis, MN (directed by Eric Dieperink, MD and Christine Pocha, MD, PhD), West Haven, CT (directed by Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao, MD) and San Francisco, CA (directed by Alexander Monto, MD).Our dedicated patients whose input has helped shape the content and direction of this booklet.Jason Dominitz and Jeff Paulino are the lead authors of this document.

Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

MAKING A CHANGE PLANSetting clearly defined goals can be hlifestyle change, such as quitting drinfilling in the blanks below:My specific goal is to:__________________________________________________________The steps I plan to take in changing __________________________________________________________Challenges that might interfere:__________________________________________________________How I will handle these challenges:__________________________________________________________I will know my plan is working if:__________________________________________________________
26 VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers

USEFUL RESOURCES

On the following pages, you will find some useful resources that can be used to keep track of your liver health, help make a change in your lifestyle to keep your liver functioning, and provide you with more information on hepatitis C. In the back of this booklet, you will find a space to keep other notes and information that may come up during your visits with your primary care provider and/or liver specialist.

Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

FIRST IMPRE

Hepatitis C can affect various parts oare surprised to learn that they have C. Some people feel overwhelmed bneed to make in their lives. The purpose of this booklet is to let have hepatitis C and what you can dIt may answer some of the questions this booklet is only the beginning anamount of the information availableprovider and ask questions whenever 
4 VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

Having supportPatients with hepatitis C sometimes how many others have their same condition. Here at the VA, and in many hospitals and communities, there are support groups that you can seek out to discuss some of your questions and concerns with others. There are even online resources now with e-magroups where individuals share their C. During treatment for hepatitis Cof friends and family and/or participgroup can be particularly helpful.Ask questions!One thing that we cannot stress enouabout something, don’t be afraid to health care provider is for. If you are something is healthy for you or not, first. Write down any questions you them, and take your list of questions 
24 VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers

and emotional health. Getting the right amount of sleep helps to replenish our bodies. Relaxation reduces stress, which is a major factor in most illnesses. Lack of sleep and relaxation can cause mood problems, low energy, and difficulties with thinking, memory, and concentration. Regular rest can help manage pain and insomnia.Some good tips for getting good sleep include:

• Avoid stimulants, like caffeine, before bedtime• Avoid alcohol or illicit drug use• Maintain a regular sleep schedule by going to sleep and 

waking up at the same times every day

• Don’t take naps during the day• Keep the bed for sleep and sex 

only

• Make sure your bedding is 

comfortable

• Don’t exercise before bed• Perform pre-bedtime rituals 

to ready your mind for sleep (brushing teeth or reading)

• Ask your provider about sleep medications• Talk to a therapist about thoughts that are keeping you up

Some useful tips for relaxation include:

• Drink a hot, non-caffeinated beverage• Listen to relaxing music• If there is an activity that relaxes you, do it• Take a hot bath or shower• Use aromatherapy: nice smells, like oils, 

and fresh flowers can relax the body

• Try “movement arts” such as Yoga or Tai 

Chi

• Meditate• Practice other relaxation exercises

Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

YOUR LI

To understand your hepatitis C infecyou should first learn about your liveand how it works.What is my liver?Your liver is one of the largest and mimportant organs in your body. The liver is located behind the lower righpart of your ribs. This allows your rib cage to provide a certain level of protection to your liver.What does my liver do?Your liver is very important to your health. It acts like a factory, and in oliver does all of these important jobs

• Stores vitamins, sugars, fats, and 

food that you eat

• Makes chemicals that your body 

• Breaks d

body, sutoxic ch

• Remove

blood

• Makes s

right amthat it n

What happens when the liver is sickWhen the liver does not work well, ydie if your liver stops working altogethepatitis C, it is important to rememnot work as well as it would without liver, the level of enzymes (chemicals its work) in your body is normal. AL
6 VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers

liver enzymes. These may be higher in patients with hepatitis C. We will discuss the tests used to determine liver health in more depth in the next section.What are some of the diseases that can affect my liver?Many diseases can affect your liver. If you have one of these diseases, your liver may not work as well as it should. These are some of the most common diseases that can affect your liver:

• Hepatitis C (the virus you are infected with)• Viral hepatitis including hepatitis A and hepatitis B• Alcoholic cirrhosis• Liver cancer• Obesity

We will explain these in more detail later.Other things that can irritate the liverOther things besides hepatitis C can make your liver unhealthy or put more strain on your liver. Talk with your provider if you use any of the items listed below:

• Alcohol• Over-the-counter drugs (especially pain relievers)• Prescription drugs• Street drugs• Marijuana• Tobacco

Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

Eating healthyBecause your liver breaks down everyimportant for you to eat well. Try to

• Eat a well balanced, low fat diet• Drink water (64 - 96 

ounces each day)

• Have adequate protein 

intake (at least 2.2 - 3.3 oz/lb)

• Increase your fruits and 

vegetables

• Restrict your sodium 

intake

• Eat smaller meals when you are h• Strive to maintain a healthy weig• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and iron 

supplements may be taken if you

Getting out and active!Exercise can lead to an overall improyour life! An exercise program shoulA good goal is life-long exercise to imhealth, lower stress and fatigue. Her

• Exercise regularly (at least 3 time• If you aren’t used to exercising, i

not too late: start small

• Check with your provider before 

beginning an exercise routine

• Find something you enjoy to stay 

active

• Keep an exercise journal to track 

progress

• Activities like walking or gardeni

count too!

Getting some rest and relaxation!Rest and relaxation are important fo
22 VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers

A HEALTHIER YOU

Being diagnosed with hepatitis C may mean you have to make some changes in your lifestyle, such as:Alcohol and hepatitis COne of the most important things that you can do for your health is to avoid alcohol. Here is why avoiding alcohol is important:

• Alcohol damages or destroys 

liver cells.

• Your liver has to work harder 

to process the alcohol, so the virus has more freedom to do damage.

• Alcohol use has been shown 

to reduce the benefit of hepatitis C treatment, decreasing your chances of clearing the virus.

• If you avoid alcohol, you increase your chances of having 

little to no liver damage. If you are interested in reducing your drinking, or just figuring out how much you do drink, there are some useful tools in the back of this booklet that may help you.

Your medicationsIf you start hepatitis C treatment, then it is important to take your medication as directed. The treatment can be difficult and has some unpleasant side-effects. If you are concerned about these, talk with your health care provider. Skipping injections or not taking your pills can greatly reduce the chances of clearing the virus.

Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

LAB TESTS FOR Y

When trying to determine the health care provider will order a series of lab information about whether or not daoccurred.What are some of the tests I will be The most common tests that are useliver is working are called Liver Funccommon tests that your provider wilare:

• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST• Total Bilirubin (TBil)• Albumin• Prothrombin Time/INR (PT/IN

The ALT/SGPT TestThis is an enzyme made in liver cellsin the liver are damaged, ALT enzymbloodstream and result in higher ALtests.The ALT level is followed in a patienundergo hepatitis C treatment, one owill be a more normal ALT level. It however, that while a high ALT may damage, ALT levels can vary and do degree of liver cell damage nor do ththe liver.The AST/SGOT TestThis enzyme, much like ALT, is also levels of AST can indicate a damaged not related to liver disease can cause other illnesses or certain medication
8 VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers

health, your provider will be most concerned about higher AST levels when they rise alongside higher ALT levels.The TBil TestTBil is total bilirubin. Bilirubin usually is removed from the blood by the liver, but when the liver is not working well, bilirubin levels can rise. This test is a true liver function test and higher levels suggest the liver is not working well. Signs of higher levels of bilirubin include yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (called jaundice).AlbuminThis test measures the amount of albumin, a protein made only in the liver. If the amount of albumin is low, it suggests that the liver may not be functioning well.Prothrombin Time/INRThis test measures how well your blood clots. If the prothrombin time is elevated, it may mean that the liver cannot produce enough of the clotting protein.Normal Enzyme LevelsNormal enzyme levels vary at each VA medical center and laboratory. Ask your medical provider for the normal ranges at your facility.Other Lab TestsUndoubtedly, your provider will order other lab tests. In fact, your provider will use many tests to follow your care closely and to make sure that your liver is as healthy as it can be given your infection. It is beyond the scope of this booklet to list and explain every possible test that may be ordered for you. If a lab test is ordered that you do not understand, you should ask your provider for more information. It is important to keep in mind that just because you may have abnormal levels of an enzyme on a test, it doesn’t mean your liver is failing. Your provider is there to interpret these tests and to make sure that you remain healthy.

Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

How can treatment help me?Anti-viral therapy can eliminate the hto 60% of patients. If you do not clesome ways that treatment can help yo

• decrease the amount of liver dam• slow the progression of liver dise• lower the amount of hepatitis C • improve your liver enzyme levels

What are the side effects of interferHepatitis C treatment is not without are things that might happen in your treatment. These include, but are no• Fatigue• Flu-like symptoms• Nausea or vomiting• Decreased appetite• Weight loss• Depression• Irritability• Hair loss

• • • • • • 

Is treatment right for me?Treatment can be a difficult process therefore, not recommended for evertreatment for your hepatitis C infectbe based on many factors. If you are you should discuss this with your proWhat about alternative and complimCurrently there is not enough researtreatments really help people with heherbal supplements can be dangeroudisease. If you want to try an alternayou first discuss alternative therapies provider.
20 VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers

HEPATITIS C TREATMENT

Now that you know a little about hepatitis C you’re probably curious about the treatment available for it:How is hepatitis C treated?The most effective treatment is the combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. This combination has shown the highest response rate of any treatment for hepatitis C, and is often used at the VA.What is interferon (IFN)?Interferon is a protein that helps your body’s immune system to attack infected liver cells and to protect healthy liver cells from new infection. Pegylated interferon is taken by injection once per week.What is ribavirin?Ribavirin is a medicine that can fight certain viruses, though by itself it does not work against hepatitis C. It is taken in pill form and in combination with the interferon treatment.How long does treatment take?In general, anti-viral therapy lasts 24 to 48 weeks. If the treatment is not working or if you have too many side effects, your provider may stop your treatment early.

How effective is treatment?Your response to treatment depends on several factors, such as what type of hepatitis C virus (called genotype) you have, age, race, weight, extent of liver damage, and amount of virus in the blood (viral load). Response rates for VA patients range from 23% to 60%.

Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

THE HEPATITIS 

At this point, you are probably wondis. That’s understandable. Let’s talk What is hepatitis C?Hepatitis C is a disease that affects yoby a virus, called the hepatitis C viruApproximately 5 million people in thto have hepatitis C, making it the moblood.How does hepatitis C cause problemHepatitis C may damage the liver graa liver cell and inserting its genetic cstructure of the liver cells to make mturning your liver into a large hepatiWhat are the symptoms of hepatitis The symptoms of hepatitis C infectioSome people can carry the virus for ysymptoms. Many may feel fatigue or not have any symptoms, hepatitis C icases, once you have hepatitis C it bemeaning it doesn’t go away. Over timproblems, such as cirrhosis and liver stays in your body, you can give hepa
10 VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers

What happens to people with hepatitis C?For every 100 people with hepatitis C, 15 people are able to get rid of the virus by their own immune system, but 85 will develop chronic, or long-term, infection. Of these 85 people, the virus slowly causes liver damage in 66 of them. 17 people will develop cirrhosis and 2 people will develop liver cancer.

• Chronic Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver that remains 

active throughout the course of the individual’s life.

• Cirrhosis is the end result of damage to the cells in the liver, 

and can be caused by many things including viral hepatitis, alcohol, or other factors.

• Liver Cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma 

(HCC), may develop from cirrhosis related to hepatitis C .

How is hepatitis C diagnosed?Two main tests are used to diagnose and confirm hepatitis C in patients: the antibody test and the PCR test. The antibody test looks to see if you’ve ever been exposed to the hepatitis C virus. The PCR test confirms that you have active virus in your blood.

Moderate Liver Disease

CirrhosisLiverCancerNo ChronicHepatitis C

15%

2%

17%

66%

Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

case, we recommend you reduce the have, practice safer sex, and always uCan I get or give hepatitis C througof sex?We do not know if the virus can be sno proof that anyone has ever spread although it may be possible.Anal sex may damage the lining of thto pass the virus through the blood. sex will help prevent spreading the halso protect you against other sexuallas HIV and hepatitis B. The presenctransmitted disease, including HIV, cthe hepatitis C virus during sex.You cannot spread the hepatitis C vircontact, such as hugging or kissing soCan my partner get pregnant, and ithe baby will get hepatitis C?It is possible to get pregnant if you oC. If you are a male with hepatitis Cyour female partner does not have heC (throughout the entire pregnancy)there is no chance that the baby will the virus, from the mother. If you arpregnant female who already has hepC (or gets hepatitis C at some point the pregnancy), the chance of passinvirus to your baby is low, less than 5 The risk becomes greater if the mothHIV. With proper care before the biC-positive mothers or fathers are usu
18 VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers

SEX & HEPATITIS C

Many patients wonder if you can get or give the disease through sex. The answer to that is a little complicated...BasicsIf you have hepatitis C, it is not very likely that you will spread the virus through sex, but it is still a small possibility. In addition, some things do increase the risk of transmitting hepatitis C sexually: having more than one sexual partner, having HIV or a sexually transmitted infection, engaging in anal sex, or having sex when blood is present. That is why it is very important to talk honestly and openly with your sex partner(s). Also, talk to your health care provider for more information regarding sex and hepatitis C.Can I give hepatitis C to my sex partner?Yes, but it is not likely. Compared to the hepatitis B virus and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), it is less likely that you will spread the hepatitis C virus to your sex partner.If you have one long-term sex partner and do not engage in anal sex, you do not necessarily need to change your sex habits. But, if either you or your partner is worried about the small chance of spreading the hepatitis C virus, you can use latex condoms. This will make it almost impossible to spread the virus. Partners of 

people with hepatitis C may wish to be tested for the virus if they are concerned that they also have the virus. If the test is negative, you will probably not need to repeat it.If you have more than one sex partner, you are more likely to spread the virus. In this peforalswiIf are

Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

HOW THE VIRUS 

You know what hepatitis C is, and yoyou, but you’re still not sure how you you might pass it on to someone elseHow did I get hepatitis C?You probably got hepatitis C by comblood of another person who is infecmight have happened include the fol

• Receiving a blood transfusion or 

1992

• Sharing needles or “works” to in

only once, many years ago

• Sharing straws or bills for intrana• Exposure to the virus as a result 

term kidney dialysis

• Having contact with blood on th• Having a mother who had hepat

you (rare)

• Being exposed to the virus durin• Being exposed to the virus durin

piercing (rare)

How can I protect others from gettiHepatitis C is mainly spread through protect others from getting hepatitis 

• Do not donate blood, body organ• Do not let anyone else use your r

personal care items (these items cblood on them)
12 VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers

• Cover open cuts or sores on your 

skin with a bandage until they have healed

• Don’t inject drugs. If you use 

drugs, talk with your doctor about trying to stop. If you can’t stop, don’t ever share your needles or works with anyone else

• The hepatitis C virus is not easily 

transmitted by sex. However, some things do increase the risk of transmitting it sexually, so use a latex barrier, such as a condom (or “rubber”), if you have more than one sexual partner, have HIV or a sexually transmitted infection, engage in anal sex, or have sex when blood is present. Using condoms also reduces your chances of getting some sexually transmitted diseases. We will discuss sex, intimacy and hepatitis C in more depth later in this booklet.

But what if I sneeze, or cough, on someone I care about?No, you won’t spread hepatitis C by sneezing or coughing on someone. In addition, you cannot give hepatitis C to someone else by:

• holding hands• hugging or kissing (unless you have 

mouth sores or bleeding gums)

• sharing food or water• sharing eating utensils• sharing drinking glasses

Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

contact so that they can be better be covered more in-depth in the 

• Medicines you are taking for hep

better understand any side effect

• Lifestyle changes that you have to 

liver.

When should I tell them?Many people share their diagnosis as soon as they find out. Others wait for some time to adjust to the news and get more information. You should share your diagnosis as soon as possible with people who may be directly affected by your diagnosis, such as sex partners oEncourage sex partners and past or ppartners to get tested for hepatitis C. someone, choose a quiet moment whtalk and ask each other questions.Do I have to tell?While we have mentioned that it can your diagnosis of hepatitis C with otguidance, you may find yourself in a uncomfortable sharing. Despite the interactions do not spread the hepatmight still feel uneasy. It is importannot to tell people who don’t need to and co-workers that aren’t at risk for their interactions with you.
16 VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers

TELLING OTHERS...

Getting through this time in your life may be difficult and you may want to turn to others for support. But how do you go about that?Why should I tell people that I have hepatitis C?If you share your diagnosis with people in your life, they might be able to:

• offer you support and understanding• understand better how hepatitis C is spread and work with 

you to prevent the virus from spreading

Who should I tell?Sharing your diagnosis with others is an important personal decision. It can make a big difference in how you cope with the disease. If you decide to share your diagnosis, it is best to tell people you trust or people directly affected. People you may want to tell include:

• sex partner(s)• past or present needle-sharing partners• roommates or family members• anyone who may come in contact with your blood• all your health care providers, such as doctors, nurses, and 

dentists

What sorts of things should I say?You may want to begin with when and how you found out that you have hepatitis C. You may want to give information on how the virus is and isn’t spread. This booklet may be helpful in informing others. In particular, you should discuss:

• Any shared risk factors that might have led to your hepatitis 

C, or that might lead them to have hepatitis C.

• The risk of getting hepatitis C through sex and sexual 

Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

HEPATITIS A 

When you become infected with hepitself under attack and its health becthis reason, you run a greater health with other forms of hepatitis, such as What is hepatitis A?The hepatitis A virus is a disease thavirus is usually spread by putting somis contaminated by the stool of anothIt is usually spread through:

• household contact with an infect• sexual contact with an infected p• eating or drinking contaminated • sharing eating utensils that are co• touching contaminated surfaces 

hands near or in the mouth

Most people infected with the virus gHowever, hepatitis A can be serious who already have liver disease.What can I do to prevent hepatitis AGet vaccinated

• The best way to prevent hepatitis 

vaccine is very effective and can khepatitis A. You will not get hepMost people who get the vaccine Antibodies are cells that your bodiseases. These antibodies will pA. If you already got vaccinated with your provider. Your providehave antibodies against hepatitis 
14 VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers

Practice good personal hygiene

• Because so many cases of hepatitis A are due to close contact 

with an infected person, you should always practice good personal hygiene, especially by washing your hands.

Can I get the hepatitis A vaccine at my VA medical center?Yes, if you are HCV positive, speak with your VA health care provider about the vaccine.What is hepatitis B?The hepatitis B virus can affect your liver. In the United States, hepatitis B is primarily spread through sexual contact and intravenous drug use. Fortunately, most people who get hepatitis B can get rid of the virus on their own. But others can develop chronic (or lifelong) hepatitis B.How can I protect myself against hepatitis B?Avoid high-risk behaviors

• High-risk behaviors increase the chance of infection. These 

include contact with (or by touching) the blood of a person who has the disease. You can also get hepatitis B by sharing IV or tattoo needles, works, cocaine straws, and through contact with the blood, semen, or vaginal fluids of an infected person.

Get vaccinated

• There is a vaccine that protects you from getting hepatitis 

B. You get it in three different shots. If you already got vaccinated or if you are not sure, talk with your provider. Your provider can check to see if you have antibodies against hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C: An Introductory Guide 

Practice safer sex

• Use condoms every time you hav

long-term, monogamous relationwho does not have hepatitis B.

Don’t shoot/inject street drugs

• If you are using drugs now, try to 

has programs to help you. If you share needles and works.

Don’t share personal care items

• Personal care items such as razor

clippers can sometimes contain sblood.

Is hepatitis B serious?Yes. Although many people who are will be able to get rid of the virus, sochronic (or lifelong) hepatitis B. Thicirrhosis, liver cancer, and death.Is there a cure for chronic hepatitis There are a number of FDA-approvehepatitis B, but there is no reliable cCan I get vaccinated against hepatitcenter?Yes, speak with your provider about yYour provider can check to see if you are protected) against hepatitis B, anIt is especially important to get vacciyou have HIV (human immunodeficCan I get medicine to treat chronic There are a number of different treawith hepatitis B. If you have chronic speak with your provider to see if tre