H E PAT I T I S
HEPATITIS Hepatitis is a label used to describe inflammation of the liver. It is usually the consequence of a viral infection or damage caused to the liver. There are five categories of hepatitis - A,B,C,D and E - some of which are less serious than others.
Hep A is transmitted by eating and drinking contaminated food and water. Hep B is transmitted from an infected person through blood or other bodily fluids. Hep C virus is transmitted through small quantities of blood e.g. unsafe injection practice associated with drug use. Hep D is a ribonucleic acid virus that responds to hep B virus causing a ‘super infection’. It is transmitted through blood or other bodily fluids. Hep E is transmitted through faecal-oral route which, basically, is water contaminated with poo. Hep B and C are the most common forms in this country and Hep C is more common within the prison population. People at increased risk of HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) infection include: l People who inject drugs and share needles l People who share razors
l People with sexual partners who are infected with HCV l People with an HIV infection l People who have been given infected blood products or who have been treated in health care facilities with poor infection control l Children born to mothers who are infected with HCV
Symptoms: Approximately 80% of people infected with HCV will not show any symptoms. However, those who do show symptoms can exhibit fatigue, fever, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, grey coloured faeces, yellowing of skin and whites of eyes (Jaundice). But never fear - help is here! You should have been offered a BBV screening at reception on, or shortly after, your arrival into the establishment. If you declined this then you can request one at any time during your time in the establishment - just put an app into healthcare. The infection can be treated, so try not to worry about being tested!
ABCDE H E A LT H M AT T E R S !
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