Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It is caused by a virus. The most common types are Hepatitis A, B and C.
How is it passed on?
Hepatitis A is caught through the contamination of food and water with faeces. Hepatitis B and C can be passed on by unprotected sex or sharing drug injecting equipment.
What are the signs and symptoms?
A short, flu-like illness
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
Weight loss
Jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, darker yellow urine and pale faeces)
Itchy skin
Abdominal pain
What are the tests and treatments?
To test for Hepatitis a blood sample is taken. Hepatitis A and B can be prevented by vaccination. There is no vaccination for Hepatitis C.
