There are many different forms of hepatitis. In this module we will discuss two common forms of hepatitis that can be transmitted via contaminated bodily fluids or blood. These bloodborne illnesses are hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Hepatitis B, sometimes referred to as HBV is a virus that affects the liver. It can lead to scarring, cirrhosis, cancer and other medical problems. In the United States more than 70,000 individuals become infected with hepatitis B. Nearly 5,000 people a year die from illnesses related to this bloodborne pathogen. 

While you cannot get hepatitis B from light contact with others such as shaking hands or hugging, it is about 100 times more contagious than HIV because the virus can survive outside of its host for much longer than HIV. The hepatitis B virus can be viable for a week or more outside of the body, while HIV can only survive outside of the body for a few seconds. Sharing needles, razors or coming in contact with items contaminated with blood or bodily fluids can lead to infection, as can sexual activity. You can recover from hepatitis B, but about 10 percent of people who become infected with it will have an ongoing chronic problem that continues to inflame their liver. 

There is an effective vaccine for hepatitis B. If you work in a job that exposes you to bodily fluids, your employer is required to offer you a free hepatitis B vaccine. This would include workers such as janitors, school nurses, healthcare professionals, dental office workers, and many others. The vaccine is delivered in three separate doses over a 6 month period. Employees can decline the vaccine but must write a statement that acknowledges the risk they are taking.

Unlike hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HCV is more likely to be a chronic condition. Approximately 80 percent of people who contract hepatitis C will have a chronic condition, while the other 20 percent will recover completely. Hepatitis C can exist in a person for decades without any noticeable symptoms. Currently 4.1 million U.S individuals have the hepatitis C virus and 26,000 more are added each year. HCV can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer due to its chronic inflammation of the liver. Nearly 10,000 people die every year from hepatitis C-related causes.

There is no cure or vaccine for hepatitis C. Preventing the spread is the best way to protect oneself. Infected needles or sharps can spread this bloodborne pathogen. It can also be spread through sexual contact, tattoos, organ transplant, blood transfusions and from a mother to her child during birth.