Hepatitis A B C

HEPATITIS A

Mode of Transmission:

• Ingestion of fecal matter, even in microscopic amount, from 
• Close person-to-person contact with hepatitis A-infected person
• Sexual contact with hepatitis A-infected person
• Contaminated food or drinks
• Contaminated drug paraphernalia (works ) 

Risk Activities:

• Travel to countries where hepatitis A is common
• Sexual contact with a hep A infected person
• Use of illegal drugs (Injection or non-injection)
• Living with a clothing factor disorder

Prevention Methods:

• Hepatitis A vaccination
• Immune globulin
• Proper hand washing with soap after the use of toilets and changing diapers, and before preparing and eating foods 

Treatment Options:

• Provide supportive treatment (e.g. bed rest)
• No hepatitis A-specific medication are available 

HEPATITIS B

Modes of Transmission:

• Contact with infectious blood, semen and other bodily fluids, primarily through:
• Birth from a hep B-infected mother
• Sexual contact with a hep B-infected person
• Sharing needles, syringes or drug paraphernalia
• Needle sticks or sharp instrumental injuries

• Less commonly through:
• Tattooing/body piercing

Risk Activities:

• Birth from a hep B infected mother
• Sexual contact with a infected person
• Multiple sex partners
• Living with a STD
• Injection drug use
• Living with hep B infected person
• Occupational exposure to blood
• Long-term hemodialysis
• Living or working in a setting that houses developmentally disabled individuals 

 Prevention Methods:

• Hepatitis B vaccination
• Immune globulin
• Hep B screening during each pregnancy
•  For infants born to hep B infected mothers, immune globulin dosage and vaccine within 12 hours of birth
• Use of condoms for sex
• Not sharing personal care items (e.g. razors, toothbrushes)
• Not sharing needles, syringes or drug paraphernalia
• Ensure use of sterile equipment for any tattoo or body piercing
• Proper infection control in health care settings and public safety works

Treatment Options:

• For Acute Hep B, provide supportive treatment
• For Chronic Hep B, provide monitoring for signs of liver disease progression and consider antiviral medication 

HEPATITIS C

Mode of Transmission:

• Contact with infectious blood, primarily through
• Sharing needles, syringes or drug paraphernalia

• Less commonly through
• Sexual contact with hep C infected person
• Birth from hep C infected mother
• Needle sticks or sharp instruments injuries
• Tattooing/body piercing

Risk Activities:

• Current or past injection drug use
• Receipt of blood or organ prior to July 1992
• Receipt of clotting factor concentrates before 1987 
• Long-term Hemodialysis
• Occupational exposure to blood
• Birth from a hep C infected mother

Preventive Methods:

•  Not sharing needles, syringes or drug paraphernalia
•  Use of condoms for sex
•  Not sharing personal care items (e.g. razors, toothbrushes) ensure use of sterile equipment for any tattoo and body piercing
• Proper infection control in health care settings and public safety work

Treatment Options: 

• For Acute Hep C, provide supportive treatment and consider antiviral Medication
• For Chronic Hep C, provide monitoring for signs of liver disease progression and consider antiviral medication