Hepatitis C
This virus was originally called non-A, non-B hepatitis and was isolated and identified in 1988. Hepatitis C virus is an RNA virus which is particularly small, virulent, and resilient. Hepatitis C is very common amongst people who inject drugs with around 70% of ex-users, and 50% of current users in NZ already infected.
Hepatitis AHepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), which is
classified as an enterovirus and is present in the stool or shit of
infected individuals. A person can become infected with HAV by transferring the virus from stool-contaminated hands to the mouth. This explains why it is easy for HAV to spread in overcrowded, unsanitary living conditions. HAV also spreads in contaminated water and food (especially shellfish).
Hepatitis A is usually a mild infection, particularly in young
children, although it can be more severe in adults who may have liver damage from using alcohol. Hepatitis B Hepatitis B, also called "serum hepatitis," is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV is found in certain infected body fluids: blood, saliva, semen, tears, breast milk, and urine. Infections may result from having a blood transfusion contaminated with HBV, sharing contaminated needles or syringes for injecting drugs, or engaging in sexual activity with an HBV-infected person.HBV-infected mothers can pass the virus to their babies prior to or during delivery or through breast-feeding (although an HBV-infected mother can safely breast-feed if her newborn receives protective treatment at birth).
|
