What are hepatitis B and C?

Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by different viruses.

Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through bodily fluids, including ‌blood, or during unprotected penetrative (anal or vaginal) sex. Hepatitis is also transmitted by blood through the sharing of drug paraphernalia or by using non-sterile tattooing or piercing equipment. Transmission can also occur during pregnancy and childbirth.

It is possible to show no symptoms, but when present, they can be experienced for up to several months after infection, or for hepatitis C, up to a few years. Symptoms can include severe fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, pale stools or dark urine, fever, and jaundice.

In most cases, hepatitis B clears up on its own within six months, but if the virus remains in the body, the infection becomes chronic and the person may develop liver disease.

Hepatitis C, on the other hand, rarely clears up on its own and often becomes chronic. Over time, the virus causes damage and scarring to the liver and can make a person very ill.

Hepatitis B and C increase the risk of serious liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and cancer.

Screening involves a blood test.

Hepatitis B treatments are not very effective, but a vaccine (covered by RAMQ under certain conditions) offers protection against it.

Treatment for hepatitis C is increasingly simple and accessible: it is taken for a few weeks and leads to total recovery in most cases. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

It should be noted that there are other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) such as hepatitis A, human papillomavirus (HPV) and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). We invite you to consult Sex & U for more information.