The Charlton Centre

Last week, on July 28th, we observed World Hepatitis Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about viral hepatitis. To mark the occasion, we’d like to share some information to help you better understand hepatitis.

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. When it is caused by a virus, it is called viral hepatitis. There are five types of viruses that can cause hepatitis, known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Each type affects the body in a different way and is spread differently.

How is hepatitis spread?

Hepatitis A spreads through what’s called fecal-oral transmission, which means the virus is passed from stool, often through contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B is passed through blood or body fluids, such as during unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from a mother to her baby during birth. Hepatitis C is spread only through direct contact with infected blood. This can happen through sharing needles or receiving unscreened blood products. Hepatitis D also spreads through blood but only affects people who already have hepatitis B. Hepatitis E is similar to hepatitis A and spreads through contaminated food or water, but it is very rare in developed countries.

Can it be treated?

Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis. Hepatitis A and E are usually mild and self-limiting, meaning they often clear without specific treatment. Hepatitis B and D cannot be cured, but there are medications that can help suppress the virus and reduce the risk of liver damage. Hepatitis C can now be cured in over 90 percent of people with a short course of oral medication taken for 8 to 12 weeks.

Why is hepatitis harmful?

If left untreated, hepatitis B and C can cause scarring of the liver, which is called fibrosis. Over time, this scarring can lead to permanent liver damage known as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis makes it harder for the liver to function properly and can increase the risk of liver cancer.

How can viral hepatitis be prevented?

You can reduce your risk of viral hepatitis by taking a few important steps.

• Always use protection during sexual activity and never share needles or any equipment that may come into contact with blood.
• Be careful with the food and water you consume, especially when traveling to places with limited sanitation.
• If you have any current or past risk factors for contracting hepatitis, speak to your family doctor about getting tested. It can sometimes take years for people to become symptomatic after getting hepatitis C. Early treatment is key to reducing transmission to others and disease complications.

In addition, getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself:

• The hepatitis B vaccine is part of the routine immunization program in Ontario and is given as two doses in Grade 7.
• The hepatitis A vaccine is publicly funded in Ontario for certain high-risk groups, including men who have sex with men, people who use intravenous drugs, and those with chronic liver disease.
• Currently, there are no vaccines available for hepatitis C, D, or E.

We hope this information helps you better understand hepatitis and maybe addresses some misconceptions. With greater awareness and understanding of hepatitis, we can work together to create a more stigma-free environment!

Janine Fletcher is a 4^th-year pharmacy student from the University of Waterloo and is currently completing a rotation at Charlton Health. She is passionate about improving health outcomes for patients with chronic conditions and is on track to become a licensed pharmacist this year.

References

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Hepatitis. Published August 12, 2021. Accessed July 28, 2025. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hepatitis

Mayo Clinic. Hepatitis C. Published August 23, 2023. Accessed August 6, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-c/symptoms-causes/syc-20354278#:~:text=But%20many%20people%20with%20hepatitis,symptoms%20or%20known%20liver%20disease.