For acute hepatitis, symptoms, if they appear, will occur within several weeks to several months of exposure. There is also a difference between acute and chronic viral hepatitis. The symptoms of viral hepatitis vary depending upon a person’s age and which type of hepatitis infection it is. Top of Page What are the symptoms of viral hepatitis? Among gay and bisexual men, Hepatitis A can be spread through sexual activity or contact with fingers or objects that have the virus on it.
The virus can be spread through contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces, or stool, of a person who has the virus. Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person accidentally swallows fecal matter (stool)-even in really small amounts-that has the Hepatitis A virus in it. While there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, there are new, effective treatments. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men also have a higher chance of getting Hepatitis C if they are involved in high-risk behaviors, such as injection drug use and other activities that result in blood sharing. Many men have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, even though a safe and effective vaccine is available. About 10% of new Hepatitis A and 20% of all new Hepatitis B infections in the United States are among gay and bisexual men. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men have a higher chance of getting viral hepatitis including Hepatitis A, B, and C, which are diseases that affect the liver.