
Hepatitis B and C are viral infections of the liver.
Hepatitis is a virus that causes inflammations and infections in the liver. There are different types of hepatitis. There is a vaccine for hepatitis B, but there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Having a vaccine for one type of hepatitis does not protect you from other types of hepatitis. Both hepatitis B and hepatitis C can lead to liver damage and possibly cancer.
Hepatitis B | Hepatitis C |
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The symptoms of hepatitis B vary, and can include:
These symptoms may be followed by Other less-common symptoms of hepatitis include:
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Of those with symptoms, the most common is chronic fatigue, but may also include:
Complications of hepatitis C include chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. |
Hepatitis B | Hepatitis C |
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Hepatitis B is spread to others through:
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Hepatitis C is spread to others through
Studies show that 5% to 10% of women who have HCV pass it on to their babies before or at the time of birth. |
Breastfeeding does not pass HCV from a mother to her baby. If the nipples are bleeding or cracked, breastfeeding should be avoided until the nipples are completely healed. | |
Hepatitis B is not spread through water, food, kissing, sneezing or coughing. | While sexual transmission is unlikely, the risk increases when there are open genital sores and during menstrual periods. |
Hepatitis B or C carriers are people who’ll carry the virus in their blood and body fluids for the rest of their lives. Most carriers remain symptom-free for many years.
Hepatitis B | Hepatitis C |
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To diagnose hepatitis B your doctor will ask you:
Suspected Liver DamageIf your doctor suspects that you have liver damage, he or she will recommend a liver biopsy to see if you’re developing signs of liver cirrhosis.* |
To diagnose hepatitis C your doctor will ask you:
Suspected Liver DiseaseIf you have a hepatitis C infection, your doctor will order blood tests to determine if you have liver disease. Special blood testing will also be done to determine which strain of the virus you have. Different subtypes respond differently to treatment. A liver biopsy will likely be performed before medical treatment is started.* |
* Source: InteliHealth
Hepatitis B |
Hepatitis C |
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There is no specific treatment of hepatitis B. Sometimes hepatitis B symptoms can be severe enough to require hospital treatment. Not all people with chronic hepatitis B require treatment. Your doctor might consider treating you with antiviral medications if your blood contains viral particles (antigens), your liver isn’t functioning properly or your liver biopsy has shown some liver damage. People with chronic liver disease can be considered for a liver transplant, although the new liver usually becomes infected in time. |
Not everyone infected with hepatitis C needs treatment. If you’re infected, your doctor will discuss the benefits and side effects of treatment and the likelihood that treatment will improve your condition. Hepatitis C is commonly treated with a combination of two drugs: alpha interferon and ribavirin (Virazole). About 60% of patients who take this combination therapy will clear the virus from their blood. Your doctor will also likely recommend that you receive vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, unless you already have been infected with these viruses, to reduce the chance that you will have further liver damage. |
* Source: InteliHealth
Hepatitis B |
Hepatitis C |
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Your can reduce your risk of contracting (or spreading) hepatitis B by:
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Your can reduce your risk of contracting (or spreading) hepatitis C by:
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There are 2 types of the hepatitis B vaccine in Canada. Both are yeast-based and neither contains any blood products.
A Hepatitis B screening (blood test) will show if you’re susceptible, immune or a carrier of hepatitis B. This screening is only necessary for sexual partners of hepatitis B carriers, household contacts and babies born to carrier mothers. It is also necessary for an un-immunized person who has sustained a needle stick injury or someone who works in a high risk environment and wants to be sure their immune status is strong from previous immunization.
You should NOT get the hepatitis B vaccine if you’re:
Serious side effects from the hepatitis B vaccine are very rare.
Minor side effects include: