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Info Blast

Hep A & Hep B

Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It is also one of those STI's that gay men tend to forget about, often trailing behind HIV and Gonorrhoea in the cause for concern stakes. Hepatitis A and B have similar symptoms but are caught in different ways and have different consequences for your long term health.

Hepatitis A and B are preventable by vaccination given by a short course of injections which give you protection over several years. If you are a gay man, you can get the Hepatitis A and B vaccination free of charge at your nearest GUM (Genito Urinary Medicine) clinic. Since a high number of gay men are Hepatitis B carriers, being vaccinated is highly recommended. The vaccine is perfectly safe for HIV+ people to take, although compared with uninfected people, a higher proportion of positive people may not develop protective immunity against Hepatitis B following vaccination (especially if they have low CD4 counts), those who are successfully immunised may be more likely to lose their immunity over time.

Hepatitis A

Is found in shit and is acquired by getting shit in your mouth. This can happen through contaminated food or water, or through sex acts such as arse licking or rimming. Even just tonguing the outside of your partner's arse can be risky. More so if he hasn't showered or douched since last going to the toilet. Fucking or fingering a guy's arse can also transmit Hepatitis A. The symptoms usually appear 2-6 weeks after infection. Theses can include headache, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and muscle and joint pains. Later your eyeballs and skin may become jaundiced (go yellow). Your piss can turn dark brown and your shit near white. Your liver may also feel tender (just below your stomach on the left side of your body). Not everyone with Hepatitis A has such severe symptoms. The only treatment is plenty of rest, a low protein and high carbohydrate diet, and avoiding fatty foods and alcohol. The illness clears up itself within 1-3 months, causing no lasting damage.

Hepatitis B

Can be transmitted by blood, cum, piss, spit and shit, meaning it is much more infectious than Hepatitis A or HIV. You should not assume that safer sex will necessarily protect you. While most people get Hepatitis B and cease to be infectious, about 10% remain long term carriers who are able to pass on the infection for many years. Hepatitis B has a long incubation period of 1-6 months. When symptoms do appear, they are usually similar to those for Hepatitis A. Sometimes, however, they may be mistaken for flu. Most people who have Hepatitis B remain ill for 1-2 months, normally without needing hospitalisation. In extreme cases though Hepatitis B can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer, and possibly death in the most severe cases.

For more information on Hepatitis A and B vaccination call GUM on 0131 536 2103 and ask to speak with a Health Advisor.