There are five hepatitis viruses that affect the liver: A, B, C, D, and E. These viruses, which may cause similar symptoms, are very different. There are vaccines for hepatitis A and B and all MSM who are sexually active should consider being vaccinated.

If you are sexually active, make (sexually transmitted infection) STI testing part of your routine. Blood testing is the primary way of diagnosing hepatitis. You have a few options:

Hepatitis C is virus that can cause serious disease. The virus is usually contracted through sharing any drug injection equipment. Hepatitis C can be contracted through sex, but this is rare. Some people (15-25%) who become infected with hepatitis C will clear the virus from their bodies within a few months, without treatment. Most people who are infected will carry the virus for the rest of their life (chronic infection).

Some people with hepatitis C show little or no signs of the infection. But, a variety of symptoms, including: weakness, feeling ill, loss of appetite, fever, headaches, dark colored urine, pale/gray bowel movements, low-grade fever, headache, loss of appetite, muscle aches, stomach pain, fatigue, and jaundice (a yellowing of the eyes and skin) can occur.

Of course, a lot of these symptoms may be indications of other diseases and that’s why it’s so important to get tested for hepatitis.

If you have had multiple sexual partners and/or have shared any drug injection equipment in the past, getting tested is important so that if you are infected you can prevent giving this infection to others and can take steps to prevent your infection from progressing.

For most people with hepatitis C, getting treatment is not an emergency. You do not have to rush into a decision. Treatment can decrease the risk of liver damage, and even reverse liver damage in some people. Medications are available to treat chronic hepatitis C and eliminate the infection, although they do no work for all people.

The best way to protect yourself once infected is to avoid alcohol, get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, eat a healthful diet, and talk to your doctor before starting any new medications. The best way to prevent infecting others is to avoid passing your bodily fluids to others. This means not sharing any drug injection equipment and using condoms when you have sex.

Hepatitis C is a serious illness for someone with HIV infection. This means having HIV lessens your body’s ability to fight the hepatitis C virus. HIV may speed up the rate of liver damage cause by hepatitis C.

If you have chronic hepatitis C, make sure your HIV care provider is aware of your infection. As with any chronic liver infection see a medical provider regularly, avoid alcohol and make sure you’re vaccinated for hepatitis A and B if you’re at risk.

For additional information about hepatitis C, B, or C, visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Hepatitis website: click here

If you’d like more information about Hepatitis D and E, visit the CDC's Hepatitis site: click here