Can I get tested for Hepatitis Type A, B or other types of Hepatitis?

Yes. Specific testing for Hepatitis A, B, and C, and vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B are offered, by appointment at the Lake Ellenor location ONLY. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call us at: 407.858.1400 Ext. 1135.

Hepatitis testing is also available as part of the normal STD testing at the STD Clinic located at Central Health Center.

Can Hepatitis be prevented?

Yes. There is a vaccine available for preventing Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. However, there is no cure or vaccine for Hepatitis C. The best way to prevent Hepatitis is to avoid behaviors that can put you at risk.

Can I be vaccinated for Hepatitis?

Yes, we provide vaccinations for Hepatitis B, but not Hepatitis A.

Where can I get more information on Hepatitis?

For more information on Hepatitis and our Hepatitis Prevention program please visit:

http://www.orchd.com/generalHealth/epidemiology/hepatitisPrevention/index.asp
http://www.orchd.com/personalHealth/std/commonSTD/hepatitis/index.asp

October 28, 2010

Hepatitis A in Gay and Bisexual Men:

Orlando- The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) is investigating an increase of hepatitis A cases in the local gay and bisexual male community.  This year there have been a total of 18 cases of hepatitis A reported to OCHD, and since June, 13 of those cases have occurred in men who have had sexual contact with men.  Most cases of hepatitis A reported in Orange County in previous years have traveled outside of the United States where exposure was likely; however, none of the 13 cases this year reported foreign travel during their exposure period.  Epidemiologists at OCHD have not identified a common link among all 13 men. No common food or water source is implicated in this outbreak.  A few of the cases were sexual contacts or acquaintances of each other.  It is possible that hepatitis A transmission may be occurring through social gatherings.   

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease resulting from infection with the hepatitis A virus that 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 an infected person.  Hepatitis A can be spread through direct anal-oral contact or contact with fingers or objects that have been in or near the anus of an infected person. Hepatitis A can also be spread through contaminated food or water, which is why travelers to certain countries are at risk.  Symptoms for hepatitis A include: fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).  If symptoms occur, they usually appear two to six weeks after exposure.  Some people infected with the virus may not show any signs or symptoms. 

Exposure:

A person can transmit the hepatitis A virus to others up to two weeks before symptoms appear.  A preventive treatment with a vaccine or immune globulin may be recommended for persons exposed to the virus to prevent disease.  The vaccine or immune globulin must be given within the first two weeks after exposure to be effective.

Prevention:

Vaccination against hepatitis A is the best way to prevent infection.  The vaccine, which is the same vaccine administered after exposure, is given as two shots, six months apart.  Protection begins approximately two to four weeks after the first injection.  A second injection results in long-term protection.  Additionally, practicing safe hygiene during sexual activity and frequent hand washing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or before preparing food can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A. 

It is recommended that all gay and bisexual men be vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.  Orange County Health Department offers free hepatitis screening and vaccinations for at risk individuals.  Multiple locations offer these services:

Epidemiology: Appointment only.
6101 Lake Ellenor Drive, Orlando, FL 32809
407-858-1400, ext. 1135

STD: Walk-in clinic.
832 West Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32805
407-836-2650

HIV/AIDS: Walk-in clinic. 
832 West Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32805
407-836-2680

HIV/AIDS – HUG-Me: Walk in clinic.
5655 South Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32809
407-888-1330