Two of the most common types of Hepatitis

• Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV)

Hepatitis (HBV) and (HCV) is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. Results of a nationally representative study show that a Hepatitis infection is common in the United States.

More Information

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Hepatitis B(HBV) is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver.HBV can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure and death. About 30% of all persons infected with HBV have no signs or symptoms while at the same time, signs and symptoms are less common in children than adults. Some of the more common signs and symptoms that are associated with HBV include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Studies show that 80% of all persons infected with HCV have no signs or symptoms. Some of the signs or symptoms, if evident, would be jaundice, fatigue, dark urine, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and nausea.

The Hepatitis Test

Hepatitis B (HBV) Test

Iis a DNA virus with a protein coat, the surface antigen(HBsAg) and a nucleic acid core, the core antigen(HVcAg). The standard test performed to detect an HBV infection is a blood test for the surface antigen.

Hepatitis C (HCV) Test

The standard testing used to detect a HCV infection is a blood test for the antibodies produced by the body in response to the virus. The antibody test is followed up by the RIBA test which is an additional test to confirm the presence of the antibodies.

Feel free to call one of our trained STD counselors or nurses for more information on the Hepatitis Testing.

Did you know that a person can be infected with Hepatitis and not even know it?

Sometimes a person with HBV infection has no symptoms at all. Older people are more likely to have symptoms. You might be infected with HBV (and be spreading the virus) and not know it.

If you have symptoms, they might include yellow skin or yellowing of the whites of your eyes (jaundice); tiredness; loss of appetite; nausea; abdominal discomfort; dark urine; grey-colored bowel movements; or joint pain.