Understanding Viral Hepatitis: What You Need to Know to Stay Healthy
Halton Region Public Health is here to help you stay informed—and protected—when it comes to viral hepatitis. We’ve got the facts on Hepatitis A, B, and C, and tips to keep yourself and our community safe and healthy.
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis (or “Hep” for short) is an inflammation of the liver, often caused by a viral infection. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, like abdominal discomfort, dark urine and pale-coloured stool, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite and jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes). Some people don’t show any symptoms at all. Understanding the different types of viral hepatitis is key to preventing its spread.
Hepatitis A (Hep A)
Hep A is usually spread through food or water contaminated with stool, or through direct contact with someone who’s infected. Our team investigates every case of Hep A and helps people get vaccinated if they’ve been exposed. The great news? Most people recover fully and gain lifelong protection.
How to protect yourself and others:
- Get vaccinated before traveling to countries where Hep A is common.
- Consider the vaccine if you’re at higher risk due to your job, lifestyle, or health conditions.
Hepatitis B (Hep B)
Hep B is transmitted through contaminated blood, bodily fluids, or sexual activity. Some people recover on their own, while others may develop a chronic infection that may be treated. We investigate cases and offer free vaccines to household and sexual contacts of people with Hep B.
How to protect yourself and others:
- Get vaccinated—it’s one of the best ways to prevent Hep B. Vaccines are available at our Sexual Health Clinics for eligible high-risk groups.
- Practice safe sex and avoid sharing personal items that could carry blood and bodily fluids.
Hepatitis C (Hep C)
Hep C is mainly spread through blood, even if you can’t see it—often through sharing drug-use equipment or personal care items like razors or toothbrushes. It can also be spread through sexual activity if there is contact with blood. Some people may clear the virus naturally, while most others will develop a chronic infection. The good news? Hep C is now curable for most people with treatment.
How to protect yourself and others:
- Pick up free condoms and needle exchange supplies at our Sexual Health Clinics
- Don’t share drug-use equipment or personal care items.
- Practice safe sex.
- Get vaccinated for Hep A and B.
Have questions or need support?
Viral hepatitis may sound scary, but with the right information and tools, it’s preventable, and in many cases, treatable or even curable. Here are some more resources available to you:
- Get helpful vaccine information and learn more about the symptoms and prevention of Hepatitis.
- Visit us at one of our Sexual Health Clinics for Hep A and B vaccines for eligible groups, and to access free condoms and needle exchange supplies.
- Health Canada - Hepatitis (external link)