Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are two viral diseases that can be transmitted by sexual contact. Both the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are transmitted by contact with the blood of an infected individual or by sexual activity, much like the HIV virus. HBV may not always cause direct symptoms, but it causes symptoms of acute Hepatitis in about 50% of infections. The primary danger with HBV symptoms is that about 5% of those infected progress to having long-term liver damage, or chronic Hepatitis B. People with chronic Hepatitis B are at increased risk for the development of liver cancer, and are the most common recipients of liver transplants.
There is a very effective vaccine available for the prevention of Hepatitis B. Treatment of acute Hepatitis involves supportive care and rest, although those with chronic Hepatitis may be treated with Interferon or antiviral medications. Call us today for your
STD Testing in Houston. Unlike HBV, HCV is rarely transmitted by sexual contact and is usually spread by contact with the blood of an infected person. Still, it is possible to transmit this virus as a result of sexual contact. Most people infected with HCV have no symptoms, so a delayed or missed diagnosis is common. In contrast to Hepatitis B, most people with HCV infection develop chronic infection with the possibility of liver damage. There is also no vaccine available against HCV.
