Hepatitis C is a serious disease of the liver that may cause liver failure or liver cancer. It is estimated that 300,000 Canadians are infected. About 5000 new cases of infection occur each year. In Atlantic Canada, Hepatitis C is 10 times more common than HIV/AIDS with about 5000 Nova Scotians living with the disease.

Chronic Hepatitis C is a serious condition that damages the liver and can lead to potentially fatal liver diseases such as cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

There is no treatment for Hepatitis A. It will naturally run its course.

Reduction of pace of daily activities and a balanced diet with plenty of fluids is helpful. Alcohol and herbal supplements should be avoided. If itchy skin is experienced, it can be controlled with non-prescription anti-itch medicine.

Generally acute Hepatitis B will naturally run it course and go away on its own. Reduction of the pace of daily activities and a balanced diet with plenty of fluids is helpful. Alcohol and herbal supplements should be avoided.

If you have Hepatitis C, the goal of treatment is to try and get rid of the virus in your body. If the virus is cleared, that can limit the damage done to your liver.

Your doctor will talk to you about starting treatment with antiviral medicines that may help get rid of the virus. The standard medicines for Hepatitis C treatment are called peginterferons and interferons. These two medicines are usually used together.

Being vaccinated against Hepatitis A is the best way to prevent getting the disease. The vaccine provides long-term protection that generally lasts for years. The vaccine spurs your immune system to produce antibodies that help protect against the Hepatitis A virus.

Immunization with a vaccine is the best way to prevent Hepatitis B.

International travelers who expect to have close contact with residents in countries or regions where there is a high rate of Hepatitis B infection