Hepatitis A

How common is Hepatitis A?

Many gay men have had Hepatitis A , which is why many clinics offer free vaccination against it. Most people with hepatitis A are diagnosed by their doctor. Many people have mild symptoms, recover and don't even realize they've had it.

Hepatitis A is usually the least serious of the three main types of hepatitis, but it can still make you very sick. There are sometimes outbreaks among gay men and it's easy to pick up. People traveling in countries with poor hygiene risk getting it too.

Hepatitis A rates in the United States have declined by 92% since Hepatitis A vaccine first became available in 1995.

Sexually active men (both adolescents and adults) who have sex with men should be vaccinated. Hepatitis A outbreaks among men who have sex with men have been reported frequently. Recent outbreaks have occurred in urban areas in the United States

In 2007, 2,979 acute symptomatic cases of Hepatitis A were reported; the lowest rate ever recorded. The estimated number of new infections was 25,000.

What causes Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus found in fecal matter. It's spread when tiny amounts of fecal matter get into your mouth.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?

Some people, particularly young children, do not have symptoms and therefore do not realize they have Hepatitis A, but up to six weeks after being infected might feel mild flu-like symptoms. When symptoms are present, they usually occur abruptly and can include the following:

* fever or diarrhea
* feeling sick or very tired
* loss of appetite & loss of weight
* feeling pain in the stomach
* having itchy skin
* joint pain

You may pet jaundice, which means:
* your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow
* your fecal matter will have a pale, clay color
* your urine (pee) is dark-colored

The illness can last for many weeks, taking months to get your strength back. You'll be most infectious before symptoms show.

How is Hepatitis A passed on?

The virus, contained in fecal matter, needs to get into your mouth to infect you. Small traces of fecal matter can be left on your hands and on food prepared by an infectious person. Water can also become contaminated, especially abroad.

During sex, fecal matter can get on your fingers and in your mouth through unprotected:

* Anal sex: topping or bottoming
* Rimming (Oral-anal sex)
* Fingering
* Fisting
* Handling used condoms and dildos

How is Hepatitis A prevented?

You can protect yourself by getting vaccinated . These might also reduce the risk:

* avoiding any sex involving contact with fecal matter
* using condoms for anal sex (topping or bottoming)
* washing your hands after handling used condoms or dildos
* washing your hands after fingering someone
* using a latex barrier, such as a dental dam, between the anus of the man you're rimming (oral-anal sex) and your mouth
* using latex gloves and water-based lube when fisting or fingering

Vaccinations
Vaccination against hepatitis A gives protection that can last up to 10 years or longer. It involves two injections. The second is usually given 6 months after the first.

You might be given a blood test before you are vaccinated which shows if you've picked up the virus already. If you have, you're now immune and can't get hepatitis A again and don't need the vaccine.

Where to get vaccinated
The Hepatitis A vaccination is free for certain groups and you can get it from your local health clinic. Health clinics can vaccinate people traveling to countries outside of the United States where Hepatitis A is a problem.

If you are a gay man, it is highly advised to get vaccinated because government guidelines state gay men are at risk and should be vaccinated.

Vaccination and HIV
You can be safely vaccinated if you have HIV. Vaccines have a short-lived effect on your viral load, so tell the person vaccinating you that you have HIV and let the doctor treating you for HIV know that you're being vaccinated.

Hepatitis

How is Hepatitis A treated?

The treatment for Hepatitis A is plenty of rest, which can mean many weeks off of work recovering. Your doctor will tell you how long you should avoid drinking alcohol while your liver recovers. And you'll need to avoid recreational drugs.

A blood test can show when you've fully recovered.

Tests: Find places where you can get free HIV/STD testing in Wake County.

Condoms: Find places where you can get free condoms in Wake County.

For general information about Wake County’s HIV/STD program and testing, please call 919-250-3950.
Do you have questions about HIV/STDs that you want answered? E-mail questions to: std.program@wearemembersofthiscommunity.org

To see all other resources in Wake County, North Carolina & the United States, CLICK HERE to return to our resources and links page.

This education awareness project is sponsored by the
LGBT Center of Raleigh .

Created and designed by Luke Keeler .

Info from CDC and THT

Page last updated: 04/01/17