Hepatitis

 There are 3 major types of Hepatitis:  A, B and C.

There are a few other types of hepatitis which are not as prevalent and not included in this information. Please contact us or the Centers for Disease Control if you want to know about those not included.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a disease which affects the liver and causes lifelong infection. It is a virus (HBV) which can result in cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. HBV is transmitted through contact with infected blood or body fluids, through sexual relations with an infected person without protection (condoms), through IV drug use when sharing needles, through needlesticks on the job, or through childbirth from an infected mother to her baby.

The symptoms of hepatitis are: jaundice (skin and tissues yellowing), fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and/or joint pain.

The vaccine is recommended for:

Hepatitis B vaccine is the best protection from this virus and is taken in three injections. It prevents hepatitis B disease and thus its most serious consequence:  liver cancer. The vaccine is safe, effective, and recommended by medical, scientific, and public health officials.

The best way to protect yourself against hepatitis is with a vaccine from Shots on the Spot, and remember, we come to you . . . on the spot.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) with no long-term infection. Once you have had it, you can not get it again. HAV is found in the stool or feces of infected persons and is transmitted by putting something in your mouth that has been in contact with contaminated stool even though it may look clean.

The hepatitis A vaccine is the best protection for Hep A. Short term protection from this virus is from immune globulin given before and within 2 weeks of contact with HAV.

Vaccine is recommended for:

The best way to protect yourself against hepatitis is with a vaccine from Shots on the Spot, and remember, we come to you . . . on the spot.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is another disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C has no vaccine. Prevention is to abstain from illegal drug use or, if you can't, never share needles. You need to also seriously consider the risks associated with tattooing or body piercing, have only protected sex if you have multiple partners, and never donate blood or organs if you are Hepatitis C positive.

You may be at risk for HCV if you:

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