Hepatitis B is rampant amongst men who have sex with
men, but it is fully preventable.
What is it?
There are several varieties of hepatitis, but they are all basically
inflammations of the liver. The body can usually fight off a hepatitis
infection, but sometimes it can lead to cirrhosis (hardening of the liver)—a
situation known as chronic hepatitis. This can ultimately result in liver
failure and subsequent death. Liver cancer is also more common among those
who have had hepatitis.
Viral hepatitis is a sexually transmitted disease in men who have sex
with men. Hepatitis A, B and C are the most common types of viral hepatitis.
Of these, hepatitis A and B are fully preventable. All sexually active
gay and bisexual men should be vaccinated against them.
Hepatitis A does not become chronic, and generally runs its course in
under two months, the liver recovering fully. Many people do not know
that they have had it until they find out later that they have antibodies
to the virus, which indicates a prior infection. Once you’ve had
the infection, you become immune to any future recurrance.
If hepatitis B infects your liver, your body’s immune system will
try to destroy it. In a minority of people, however, the immune system
cannot fight it off, and the infection becomes chronic. Men who have sex
with men are at particular risk of contracting hepatitis B. Again, once
you’ve had the infection, you become immune to any future recurrance.
Hepatitis C is more dangerous than hepatitis A or B, as it develops into
a chronic infection in the majority of people who acquire it. However,
it is much less common than other forms of hepatitis.
Symptoms
Symptoms include fatigue, appetite loss, jaundice and darker than normal
urine. Sufferers may also feel nauseous and experience vomiting attacks
that worsen as the day progresses. Smokers may lose their desire for cigarettes.
It should be noted, however, that it possible to have hepatitis without
displaying any of these symptoms.
How is it acquired?
A hepatitis infection can occur for many reasons. It is most commonly
the result of infection with a virus (hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and G).
It can also occur because of bacteria, chemical irritation and alcohol
damage to the liver.
Hepatitis A is acquired through contact with an infected person’s
shit or saliva. Rimming and kissing are therefore common routes to infection,
as is not washing your hands after touching a used condom.
Hepatitis B is found in an infected person’s blood, semen, shit
and saliva. It can be passed on through anal or vaginal sex, or through
the sharing of toothbrushes, razors and sex toys.
Hepatitis C is usually acquired through contact with contaminated blood.
It can therefore be passed on by sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes
and sex toys.
Treatment
There is no quick fix to cure hepatitis. Health officials can monitor
your liver to ensure its recovery, and medication may be given to combat
the nausea which accompanies the condition. Hospitalization is rarely
required.
Hepatitis A and B can be prevented by vaccination. However,
vaccination against hepatitis A does not make you immune to hepatitis
B, and vice versa. Vaccination is available free of charge from your local
STD GUM clinic, in Cork located at the South Infirmary Victoria Hospital,
Old Blackrock Rd (T 496 6844).
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