
Hep A, B, and C: What’s the difference?
Are you confused about the different types of hepatitis? You’re not alone. There are many types of hepatitis that cause inflammation and damage to the liver, yet the most common forms are hep A, hep B, and hep C. Learn about how these infections are transmitted, prevented, and treated.
Hepatitis A | Hepatitis B | Hepatitis C | |
---|---|---|---|
How is it transmitted? | Feces (poop), even small or trace amounts spread through:
• Rimming | Blood, semen, other body fluids through:
• Sex | Blood:
• Sharing needles and syringes used to inject drugs, hormones, steroids, or from other drug equipment |
What are the symptoms? | • Fever • Fatigue • Appetite loss • Nausea • Abdominal pain • Diarrhea • Dark urine • Yellowing of the eyes or skin | • Loss of appetite • Fatigue • Nausea • Vomiting • Yellowing of the eyes or skin | • Loss of appetite • Fatigue • Nausea • Vomiting • Dark urine • Yellowing of the eyes or skin |
Is there a vaccine? | Yes | Yes | No |
How is it prevented? | • Get your vaccine. • Wash your hands after sex, or handling condoms and sex toys. • Use latex condoms for anal sex, and between anal and oral. • Use latex gloves for fingering or fisting. • Use a latex barrier for rimming. • Don’t share sex toys and make sure to wash sex toys after use. • Don’t share personal items like towels or utensils. • Always wash your hand thoroughly with soap and water. • Don’t eat raw or undercooked shellfish. | • Get your vaccine. • Wash your hands, especially after sex. • Use condoms if you have oral, vaginal, or anal sex. • Use a latex barrier for rimming. • Use latex gloves for fingering or fisting. • Disinfect sex toys. • Avoid sharing drug injection equipment, including needles or syringes. • Avoid sharing razors, nail clippers, or nail scissors. | • If you use or inject drugs, use new needles, syringes, and/or other drug equipment (including cookers, cotton, etc.) each time. • Use condoms and plenty of lube. • Try to avoid repetitive bottoming during anal sex or fisting, which can cause bleeding. • Use protection every time, with every sex partner. • Use a reputable artist or provider if you’re planning on getting a tattoo, body piercing, or acupuncture. |
How long does it last? | Usually goes away in a month or two | Varies: can go away in a few months or become an on going (chronic) infection | Usually goes away in a few months or with or without treatment |
How is it treated? | There’s no treatment for hep A: most people recover fully on their own | Medications to manage ongoing (chronic) infection | Medications to cure the infection in as little as eight weeks |
Can it come back? | No: after hep A goes away, people are immune | No: after hep B goes away, people are immune | Yes: after hep C goes away or is cured, re-infection is possible |
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