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Safe Sex Checklist

Before you get involved in any kind of sexual activity, it’s important to know the risks and how to protect both you and your partner. Hepatitis is a liver disease that can be transmitted sexually. The most common forms are , B and C. The following are some important facts about these serious forms of liver disease and some steps you can take to protect yourself.

Hepatitis A

What is it? Hepatitis A can vary in severity from a mild flu- Hepatitis B can result in an acute illness lasting Hepatitis C can lead to chronic infection, like illness lasting a few days to a more severe a few days to a few months. If the body is cirrhosis and liver failure. illness lasting several weeks. unable to clear the infection, hepatitis B can become chronic which can result in ongoing Hepatitis C is caused by a and is Hepatitis A is caused by a virus and is present liver damage, cirrhosis and even liver cancer. transmitted through -to-blood contact in the feces of an infected person. It is passed with an infected person. by someone infected with the virus who Hepatitis B is caused by a virus and is doesn’t his/her hands properly after a transmitted through direct contact with the People with hepatitis C may have no symptoms bowel movement. It can be contracted blood or bodily fluids (e.g. , vaginal at all and may not even be aware they have through contaminated water or food. discharge) of an infected person. been infected. Symptoms can include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), Symptoms can include loss of appetite and Many people with hepatitis B do not display abdominal and joint pain, nausea and loss of severe fatigue, nausea and vomiting, jaundice any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may appetite. (yellowing of skin and eyes), fever, upset include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of stomach and urine that is a dark orange appetite, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), colour. and dark urine.

Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C

How can it be Hepatitis A is not usually transmitted through Hepatitis B is significantly more infectious than AIDS The risk of contracting hepatitis C through sex is transmitted sexual activity. However, any oral/fecal contact, and carries a high risk of sexual transmission. very low. Any activity that may lead to exposure of including that which may occur during sexual Exposure to blood, semen, or blood however does carry some risk such as: sexually? activity, is a high risk for contracting hepatitis A. other bodily fluids during sex can put you at risk of This can include: contracting hepatitis B. This can include: . rough sex where blood is present . vaginal sex with a woman during menstruation . . Unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex . Anal or fecal contact to the mouth (e.g. from . Shared use of sex toys Other non-sexual activities that may carry a risk of partner’s anus or handling a used exposure include: after anal sex then putting fingers on/in Other non-sexual activities that may carry a risk of mouth) exposure include: . tattooing, , manicures or pedicures with non-sterile equipment or inks . tattooing, body piercing, manicures or . sharing of needles or other equipment pedicures with non-sterile equipment or inks . sharing of needles or other drug equipment

How can I . Get vaccinated. A hepatitis A vaccine is . Get vaccinated. Hepatitis B vaccines are There is no vaccine for hepatitis C so the best protect available and is given in two injections 6 to available and are given in three doses over approach is to adopt safer sex practices and myself and my 12 months apart a period of six months. take precautions to avoid any accidental partner? . wash your hands carefully after bowel . Practise safe sex contact with blood. movements, after sex, before making food, . Sterilize sex toys before and after use . Use during vaginal, oral or anal and before eating, drinking or smoking . Do not share personal items that sex . keep your genital and anal areas clean may retain traces of blood, including . Do not share personal hygiene items that before having sex toothbrushes, nail clippers, razors or nail may retain traces of blood, including . use a condom during vaginal, anal or oral files. toothbrushes, nail clippers, razors or nail sex . If you suspect that you or your partner files. . if you suspect that you or your partner may have been exposed to hepatitis B, . If you suspect that you or your partner may have been exposed to hepatitis A, contact your health care provider right may have been exposed to hepatitis C, contact your health care provider right away. contact your health care provider right away. away.

For more information on hepatitis A, B or C or general liver health, please contact the Canadian Liver Foundation at 1-800-563-5483 or visit www.liver.ca