HEPATITIS

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