Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that can cause inflammation and affect the liver’s ability to function.
Hepatitis A is acquired from contaminated food or water or from close contact with a person or object that’s infected.
The Central Florida Region is currently seeing an increase in hepatitis A cases.
The best way to stop the spread of hepatitis A is to get immunized against the virus and practice handwashing with soap and water. Hand sanitizer does not kill this virus. The immunization is available through the Florida Department of Health in Hernando County (DOH-Hernando). No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay. There is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available based on family size and income.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B is transmitted when blood, semen, or other bodily fluids from an infected person enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact, sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment; or from mother to baby at birth.
For some people, hepatitis B is an acute, or short-term, illness, but for others, it can become a long-term chronic infection.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
The hepatitis C virus has become the leading cause of death from liver disease and the most frequent indication of liver transplantation in the United States. Hepatitis C is spread when blood from an HCV-infected person, even microscopic amounts, enters the body of someone who is not infected. Because of how it spreads, certain life circumstances, jobs, and behaviors can increase your risk for hepatitis C.
Although, there is no vaccine to prevent HCV, there have been substantial strides in HCV treatment success in the past few years. Talk with your health care provider or contact DOH-Hernando about screening for HCV and treatment options.