hepatitis

What causes Hepatitis?

The most common cause is being infected with a virus. There are several different hepatitis viruses which affect the liver - hepatitis A, B, C, D and E

How do you catch it?

Hepatitis C is the most common type in Ayrshire and it is usually passed on through drug users sharing their works (not just needles, spoons as well). Hepatitis C is rarely passed on through sex. Hepatitis A and B can be passed on sexually, especially if their is contact between the mouth and the anal area.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis?

There may be general symptoms such as tiredness, aches and pains, a fever, loss of appetite, sickness, stomach ache and/or diarrhoea. Jaundice may develop -the whites of the eyes and skin go yellow. Some people have no symptoms but the virus can still be damaging the liver.

If you or your partner are worried about hepatitis, a blood test can tell you if you're infected.. Ask your GP, local sexual health clinic , or Addiction Service

If you are a Gay or Bisexual man it is recommended that you have a vaccination against Hepatitis B. This is free of charge from your local sexual health clinic. For more information on Hepatitis visit: www.britishlivertrust.org.uk

Why Gay Men Should have an Hepitus B vacination

The virus is really infectious and can be transmitted in several different ways. For gay and bisexual men it is mainly through sexual activity with other men. Both oral and anal sex can pass on the virus and the more men you have sex with the more likely you are to have sex with someone who has the virus.

Hepatitis B is also 100 times more infectious than HIV and can make you very ill. Sometimes it's life-threatening. The good news is that unlike HIV most men can be vaccinated against it. The vaccinations are free of charge and you can have it done anonymously at any sexual health service (GUM clinic). The vaccination usually involves three injections and will be administered over several weeks.

You will need to complete all the vaccinations to fully be covered. For details of where these and other testing services are follow the services for LGBT link SERVICES FOR LGBT