There are different types of hepatitis. All of them affect your liver and can have serious health consequences or even be fatal. In general, the two you will hear most about are Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. People might not know they have Hepatitis, and like with HIV, you cannot tell by looking at someone, unless the infection has become serious.
Hepatitis A is normally contracted from feces (poop), so gay men can get it from rimming (using your tongue or mouth on another guy’s anus), although if people are not careful with their food preparation, it can be passed on that way too.
Hepatitis B is normally transmitted sexually, or from using contaminated needles (whether for medical uses or drugs).
There are great vaccines for Hepatitis A and B, and they can be obtained either separately or together in a combined vaccine. Talk to your doctor or a local clinic. In many areas, the vaccine is free.
Hepatitis C doesn’t have a vaccine, but there are pharmaceutical treatments that are normally able to clear the infection. As with Hepatitis A and B, have a chat with someone at your doctor’s office, or sexual health clinic. A blood test will tell them if you have been vaccinated, or if you have been exposed to any of the hepatitis viruses.
Condoms are a great way to protect yourself from Hepatitis.