Description

This pamphlet explains that hepatitis is a general term for liver inflammation, and that sexual contact is one common infection source. There are three strains of virus — Types A, B, and C — and that they differ in severity and treatment ability. Hepatitis A is preventable through vaccination and is curable, with only a brief period of communicability. Hepatitis B vaccines can prevent that strain, but it is not curable. Moreover, the carrier of the virus may remain a potential source of infection for life. It can cause cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer in those with the chronic form.

Next, the brochure moves to explain that hepatitis C is the most serious of the three, since no vaccine or cure exists. Chronic carriers can transmit the disease for life, and many develop potentially fatal liver disease. It recommends testing for infection if the reader fears he or she has been exposed. There are vaccinations for type A and B hepatitis for those at higher risk, and avoiding high risk activities like unprotected sex and needle sharing. Reduce the risk of sexual transmission by using a condom or abstain from sex.

To learn more about these three diseases are referred to the “In the Know Zone” website and to the National STD hotline.

To see a full PDF version of this pamphlet, click the Instant Preview tab above.

This brochure is also available in Spanish.

If you like this hepatitis pamphlet, then check out more of our STD and STIs Sex Education materials here.

For more pamphlet topics, click here.