Skip to main content
A A A

What You Should Know

Hepatitis A

Hep A is a potentially serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver.


Anyone can get Hep A, but some activities increase the risk of coming down
with it. Hep A infection isn't as serious as Hep B, but it will mean time off
work or away from activity to recover. Hep A will eventually run its course
and once you get it you develop a lifelong immunity to it. Death from Hep A
is rare, but may occur in up to three percent of those 40 or older.


Hep A is particularly dangerous for people who are HIV positive.

How do you get it?

Hep A is primarily transmitted through oral contact with the shit of a Hep
A infected person, but also through contaminated food and contaminated water.


Activities such as href="/book/view/31">rimming, handling
a used condom , or fingering your partner's ass followed by oral contact all
carry a risk of getting Hep A. Also, cocksucking after unprotected anal sex
is risky.


In all of these activities, remember that the way you can be infected is through
oral contact with even a tiny bit of shit from a Hep A infected person.

What are the symptoms?


  • Severe tiredness, lack of appetite
  • Diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pains
  • Jaundiced (yellowed) eyes and skin
  • Your piss may turn very dark and shit very pale

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by the Hep B virus.



Most people who become infected with Hep B never feel sick and recover completely,
but about 10% of adults will remain infectious and develop a chronic disease
that can lead to cirrhosis and cancer of the liver later in life.


Many persons infected with Hep B are asymptomatic (don't feel sick and may
not know they are infected).

How do you get it?

The Hep B virus is present in an infected person's blood and sexual body fluids
(pre-cum and cum, vaginal fluid). Hep B is not spread by water, food,
coughing, sneezing, hugging or using the same dishes or cutlery.


All of the following carry a risk for getting Hep B when there are sexual
fluids or blood present:

  • Fucking
  • Sucking cock
  • Rimming
  • S&M sex play (especially play piercing, bloodsports)
  • Any blood to blood contact (including sharing injection equipment)
  • Sharing toothbrushes or nail files/clippers or razors (much less
    common)

What are the symptoms?

  • Some people get a flu-like illness
  • Jaundiced (yellowed) eyes and skin

Get Vaccinated!


The Hep A vaccine is 99% effective and takes two doses.


The Hep B vaccine provides protection against Hep B in most people. If you
are not already infected with the Hep B virus, you can be vaccinated.


Both the Hep A and Hep B vaccines are safe for people who are HIV+.


Talk to your doctor about vaccination for Hep A and B and encourage your sex
partner(s) get vaccinated as well.


Visit our href="/book/view/30">Vaccine Page!

To set up your free vaccine, call:

Victoria : 388-2220

Nanaimo/Central Island : 741-5449

Courtenay/North Island : 344-1140

Hepatitis A and B Resources:

Canadian Liver Foundation

Toll-free support and information line, 1-800-856-7266

Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm

Hepatitis A&B compiled with information available at:

Hepatitis A&B first appeared as The ABCs of Hepatitis
in Men's Briefs , the newsletter of the Men's Wellness Program.
If you are on Vancouver Island and would like to subscribe (free) to Men's
Briefs, contact us!