Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching a new awareness campaign ‘ A, B, C is just the start ’ to encourage gay men to visit THT’s updated hepatitis B web site, www.hepinfo.org, which now includes full information on hepatitis A, B and C. The move follows increases in diagnoses of hepatitis B and C, and calls from gay men for clarity on how hepatitis C is transmitted.

The campaign will include adverts in the gay press and online banner adverts linking through to the new website. Outreach workers will also be taking the campaign materials to gay venues across England and Wales .

The website clearly explains the difference between the three most common types of hepatitis, how to prevent them and where to go for a test or treatment. Increasingly, many gay men are seeking information about Hepatitis C, for which there is currently no preventative vaccine.

Common ways of transmitting hepatitis A, B and C include:

• Hepatitis A is transmitted through rimming, sharing sex toys and fingering (then putting fingers in mouth)
• Hepatitis B is transmitted through sharing needles, razors, sucking and unprotected fucking.
• Hepatitis C is transmitted through sharing needles, razors, snorting pipes, unprotected fucking and fisting.
   

Will Nutland, Head of Health Promotion at Terrence Higgins Trust said: "Hepatitis A and B are easily avoided through vaccinations offered to all gay and bisexual men at sexual health clinics. However we know from research that only 50% of gay men have completed a course of vaccinations against hepatitis B.  

“We want to encourage all gay men to get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, and find out more about the condition by visiting www.hepinfo.org.“

Ends

Notes to Editors:

What is Hepatitis A, B C?

Hepatitis A, B and C are viruses which cause inflammation of the liver. A, B and C are different viruses and gay men can pick them up and pass them on in different ways. Some sexual and drug-taking activities can put you at greater risk.

Terrence Higgins Trust

Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK ’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, providing a wide range of services to over 50,000 people a year.   The charity also campaigns and lobbies for greater political and public understanding of the personal, social and medical impact of HIV and AIDS.