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Who is this page for?
This page is for the public, people at increased risk of hepatitis infection, and health and social care professionals.
About hepatitis A, B, C (HCV), D, E
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by different viruses. The main types are hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. They spread in different ways, but many infections can be prevented, tested for and treated.
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve health outcomes and help reduce the spread of infection.
Prevention testing and support
You can help reduce risk by:
- practicing good hygiene and safer sex
- not sharing needles or injecting equipment
- getting vaccinated against hepatitis B if you're eligible
- getting tested if you think you've been exposed or are at increased risk
For information on hepatitis testing, treatment and sexual health services in Northern Ireland, visit Sexual Health NI.
Types of hepatitis
Hepatitis A
- Transmission of hepatitis A is via the faecal-oral route, through contaminated food or water. Thorough cooking will destroy the virus, but shellfish, which are usually eaten raw, may become infected from sewage contaminated seawater and become a vehicle for transmission.
Hepatitis B (Hep B, HBV)
- The virus is transmitted parenterally and sexually. Transmission most commonly occurs following sexual intercourse, as a result of blood to blood contact, including injury with contaminated sharp instruments or other equipment by intravenous drug misusers, or by perinatal transmission from mother to child. A vaccine for hepatitis B is available
Hepatitis C (Hep C, HCV)
- The virus is associated with intravenous drug use or blood products. Sexual, vertical and occupational transmission do occur. Transfusion associated infection is now rare in the UK. A vaccine for hepatitis C is not available. There is very effective treatment but you can catch HCV more than once.
Hepatitis D, E
- Other hepatitis viruses have been identified. Hepatitis D is always associated with co-infection of HBV. Hepatitis E, like HAV, is transmitted by the faecal-oral route, often associated with gross contamination of water supplies (usually by sewage).
Information and resources for the public
Vaccination - Hepatitis B - Includes: Universal hepatitis B programme and hepatitis B vaccine for at risk babies, Clinical guidelines on hepatitis B
Information for healthcare professionals
Download our leaflets
This is an easy read booklet designed to explain hepatitis B and C risk factors, symptoms, treatment and prevention. produced by CHANGE.
