What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that can cause mild to severe illness1.
People at risk of Hepatitis A:
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver that can cause short (acute), long-term (chronic) disease and Hepatitis B related liver cancer4.
People at risk of Hepatitis B4,5:
Myths vs Facts
Myth:
I won't get Hepatitis A because I don't eat cockles.
Fact:
Hepatitis A is not only transmitted via cockles and shellfish. Foods you should be aware of are: salads, raw fruit & berries, raw vegetables and partially cooked food3,7.
Drinking water, ice cubes and even swimming pool water are all risks to watch out for if you haven't been immunized3,7,8..
Myth:
I am not a risk of Hepatitis B because I have only one sexual partner.
Fact:
Apart from sexual transmission, you can become infected with Hepatitis B during medical or dental procedures, and cosmetic beauty treatments, such as manicures, pedicures, body piercing and tattoos if contaminated or unsterilised equipment is used4.
Hepatitis A and Its Symptoms
The incubation period of hepatitis A is usually 14-28 days. Symptoms may include1:
Hepatitis B and Its Symptoms
Most people do not experience any symptoms during the acute infection, however short-term symptoms can last several weeks, and can include4:
How can you get Hepatitis A?
The virus can be transmitted through:
How can you get Hepatitis B?
People at risk of Hepatitis B are everyone from the very young to the very old, including4:
Answer: All of the above
You can become infected with Hepatitis B during medical or dental procedures, and cosmetic beauty treatments, such as manicures, pedicures, body piercing and tattoos if contaminated or unsterilised equipment is used4. Hepatitis B can also spread during sexual contact with an infected partner or from an infected mother to her baby during birth4.
To minimise your risk of Hepatitis A and B infections, avoid situations that put you at risk.
What is the impact of Hepatitis A?
What is the impact of Hepatitis B?
What can you do to protect against Hepatitis A?
What can you do to protect against Hepatitis B?