Hepatitis

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is often caused by a virus. The most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Our clinic offers free Hepatitis testing and vaccines. To schedule an appointment, please call (772) 221-4000 option 3.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter—even in microscopic amounts—from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by feces (stool) of an infected person.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A. To schedule hepatitis A vaccines at our clinics, please call 772-221-4000 option 3.

Hepatitis A Outbreak Fact Sheet

For data, please review our Hepatitis A monthly surveillance reports.

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is transmitted when blood, semen or other bodily fluids from an infected person enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact, sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment; or from mother to baby at birth. For some people, hepatitis B is an acute, or short-term, illness, but for others, it can become a long-term chronic infection. Risk for chronic infection is related to age at infection: approximately 90 percent of infected infants become chronically infected, compared with two to six percent of adults. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious health issues, including cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis B. To schedule hepatitis B vaccines at our clinics, please call 772-221-4000 option 3.

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that typically produces no symptoms. Over the years, hepatitis C can lead to severe liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Most of those infected are unaware that they have the disease. HCV is one of the most common chronic blood-borne infections in the United States, with an estimated 3.5 million Americans being infected (Source: CDC). The virus is transmitted via blood, most commonly by injection drug use, and before 1992, by blood transfusion. No vaccine is available; however, new medicines are available that can effectively treat hepatitis C. 

Non-professional tattooing is a major concern, especially in select populations such as those who have been incarcerated. Getting tested for hepatitis is important if you have ever received a tattoo. Please visit Florida Department of Health tattoo web page for more information.