• Hepatitis A

• transmission

• symptoms

• high-risk groups

• prevention

How do you get it?

Hepatitis B is one of the fastest-spreading sexually transmitted infections and can also be spread by sharing needles. The initial sickness is rarely fatal, but two to six percent of those who get hepatitis B are infected for life and could have long-term liver disease (cirrhosis or liver cancer.) About one-quarter of these chronic carriers eventually die from liver diseases and liver cancer.

Who is at risk for it?

• Those who practice unsafe sex

• Those who share needles

• Those who have close, frequent contact with blood, semen or vaginal secretions

What are the symptoms?

• Your eyes and skin may turn yellow and your urine may turn dark

• You may be tired

• You may lose your appetite

• You may have nausea, vomiting, fever, or stomach ache

Symptoms, if they occur, will appear from one to six months after exposure to the virus. About one-half of those who are infected will never develop symptoms. However, they can become ill and can continue to infect others. An infected person can begin infecting others even before and after symptoms occur.

How do you prevent it?

• Practice abstinence. If you have anal, vaginal or oral intercourse, always use a condom

• Don’t share needles. If you’re getting a tattoo or body piercing, select a reputable professional. 

• Don’t share razors, toothbrushes or pierced earrings.

• A vaccine is available. Three doses over a 6-month period are necessary.

Please note that hepatitis immunizations are not covered under the student services fee. Full charges apply.

Get more information about hepatitis from  www.cdc.gov/hepatitis