What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a virus in the blood. Hepatitis (Hep) B and C are viral infections that primarily affect the liver. Hepatitis B is commonly transmitted by bodily fluids. Hepatitis C is transmitted though blood to blood contact. People may not be aware that they have hepatitis. If left untreated, Hepatitis can become a chronic health issue.
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Dark yellow urine
- Nausea
- Pale or gray stools
- Vomiting
- Jaundice or the yellowing of the skin or eyes
The long term health problems of Hepatitis include liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Tens of thousands of new cases of viral Hepatitis occur every year in the United States. Viral Hepatitis is a serious public health threat that kills thousands of Americans annually, and is a leading cause of liver cancer. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are vaccine-preventable. With proper treatment, Hepatitis C may be cured.
If you have been exposed to Hepatitis or have been in contact with blood from a person who may have Hepatitis, you should make an appointment for testing.
Hepatitis B
It is possible for a person to acquire Hepatitis B through blood exposure. However, it is more frequently passed from one person to another through bodily fluids during sex. A person with Hepatitis B may experience a flu-like symptoms.
Hepatitis B can be transmitted:
- During a medical procedure
- During sex where bodily fluids are exchanged
- During childbirth
- When sharing needles or medical equipment that involves blood
- When sharing personal items such as a toothbrush or razor.
Not all cases of Hepatitis B need treatment. A liver specialist can help determine the best treatment for the patient. Chronic Hepatitis B can be treated with antiviral or immune-modulating drugs.
Hepatitis C
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 40% of individuals with Hepatitis C do not know that they have the virus. Women are routinely tested for Hepatitis B & Hepatitis C during prenatal care.
Hepatitis C can be transmitted:
- During a medical procedure
- Through sharing contaminated needles (for example, via injectable drug use, tattoos, body piercings, or in a healthcare setting)
- Through sexual contact
- By mother to child during vaginal delivery
What is the Cost of Testing for Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C?
The office visit is $35 and the lab fee is $25 for each test. Note that many women have been vaccinated for Hepatitis B and tested for Hepatitis B and C during pregnancy.
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