Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

Hepatitis symptoms, effects and how it's caught

Different causes of hepatitis

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. There are various causes - infections, alcohol, some types of medication, toxins and poisons. This page gives information on viral hepatitis that can be passed on through sex with an infected partner.

Viral hepatitis is caused by a group of viruses (A, B, C, D & E). The viruses differ in how common they are and how they are spread

back to top

Hepatitis A and E

The Hepatitis A and E viruses are present in the digestive tract and are acquired by swallowing or by mouth contact with the anal area.

Hepatitis A is common worldwide. At present, Hepatitis E is common only in Asia.

back to top

Hepatitis B, C and D

Hepatitis B and C are present in all body secretions. These viruses can be spread by:

• sharing needles (or "works")
• through unsterile medical procedures
• during sexual contact
• from mother to baby at or before birth.

Hepatitis B is much more infectious than Hepatitis C and is easily transmitted by all types of sex.

Sexual Hepatitis C has been particularly linked to certain types of sex between men, but can sometimes be passed on by heterosexual sex.

Hepatitis D ("Delta") can only cause infection if you are already infected with the Hepatitis B virus, but is spread in the same way.

back to top

Hepatitis symptoms and long-term effects

Most people notice no hepatitis symptoms at all.

Initial infection can cause mild fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Hepatitis symptoms can take some weeks to appear.

After a few weeks the majority of people recover completely. Some people with Hepatitis B and C cannot clear the infection naturally and become carriers.

Although appearing outwardly healthy they are still infectious and may develop problems with liver inflammation or liver cancer later in life.

For detailed information on Hepatitis C, please visit the patient and carer pages of Hepatitis C website.

back to top

How to prevent infection with viral hepatitis

To reduce the risk of getting hepatitis:

• use condoms for anal and vaginal sex
• use a condom or dental dam for oral sex
• reduce the number of partners you have sex with

Remember - you can have hepatitis for many years without any obvious symptoms that might make you or your GP think you have it. During this time you can still pass on the infection to others.

back to top