Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E)

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.

  The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and can also cause long term liver damage. There is a vaccine available to prevent hepatitis B infection which should be given to all individuals who are at risk from hepatitis B infection. There is very effective treatment available to keep hepatitis B virus under control.

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 C is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It can affect and damage the liver, and cause inflammation and scarring of the liver tissue, and sometimes significant liver damage. It may lead to cancer of the liver and possible death. It is acquired mostly through blood-to-blood contact, although a small number may be sexually acquired.  Most people who are infected have mild or no symptoms initially, so are often unaware of their infection.

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).

Hepatitis B - Includes: Universal hepatitis B programme and hepatitis B vaccine for at risk babies, Clinical guidelines on hepatitis B

You can get tested and vaccinated for some of the hepatitis through your GP, a GUM clinic in your HSC Trust, learn more here.

Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis B: Clinical guidelines/information | Northern Ireland Hepatitis B & C Managed Clinical Network
• Hepatitis B - Quick reference guide for primary care | HSC Public Health Agency
• The hexavalent DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB combination vaccine (for babies at risk of hepatitis B) | HSC Public Health Agency
• Green Book on immunisation hepatitis B chapter

Hepatitis C

• Hepatitis C: Clinical guidelines/information | Northern Ireland Hepatitis B & C Managed Clinical Network
• Hepatitis C - Clinician results factsheet | HSC Public Health Agency

• NI Regional Hepatitis B&C Managed Clinical Network Annual Report
• Northern Ireland Hepatitis B & C Managed Clinical Network
• UKHSA Hepatitis B: guidance, data and analysis
• UKHSA Hepatitis C: guidance, data and analysis