Viral Hepatitis: The Silent Threat to Your Liver
Hepatitis B is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV through sexual contact. Both Hep B and Hep C can silently damage your liver for years before symptoms appear. Hep B is vaccine-preventable (from your GP). Hep C is now curable. Testing is the first step for both.
than HIV sexually
How common is hepatitis in South Africa?
What is the difference between Hepatitis A, B, and C?
Not all hepatitis is the same. The three main types differ in how they spread, whether they become chronic, and how they are treated. Epicentre tests for Hepatitis B and C.
| Hepatitis A | Hepatitis B | Hepatitis C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Contaminated food/water, faecal-oral, anal-oral sex | Sexual contact, blood, needles, mother-to-child | Blood-to-blood (needles, tattoos, medical equipment), occasionally sexual |
| Sexually transmitted? | Rarely (anal-oral) | Yes, highly | Possible, especially in men who have sex with men with HIV |
| Becomes chronic? | No. Resolves on its own | Yes, in 5-10% of adults (90% of infants) | Yes, in 55-85% of cases |
| Liver cancer risk? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Vaccine available? | Yes (from your GP) | Yes (from your GP) | No vaccine |
| Curable? | Self-resolving | Chronic Hep B: manageable with treatment from your doctor (not curable) | Yes, 95%+ cure rate with treatment from your doctor |
| Epicentre tests? | No (food-borne, not STI) | Yes: HBsAg blood test | Yes: Hep C antibody blood test |
Does hepatitis have symptoms?
Chronic hepatitis B and C are often called "silent" infections because they can damage the liver for years or decades without any noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
"Hepatitis B is the STI that patients least expect to hear about. When I tell them it is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV through sexual contact, and that it can cause liver cancer, they are genuinely shocked. A simple blood test at Epicentre tells you whether you are immune, infected, or need vaccination."Dr. Samantha Naidoo, MB ChB, FCP (SA), Medical Director, Epicentre
What happens if hepatitis B or C goes undetected?
Both viruses follow a similar silent path. The liver absorbs damage for years before showing signs of distress.
Is there a vaccine for hepatitis?
Yes, for Hepatitis A and B. The Hepatitis B vaccine is one of the most effective vaccines available. Epicentre does not provide the vaccine but tests whether you need it.
Where can I test for hepatitis in South Africa without a referral?
Hepatitis B and C are detected by blood tests. Testing window: 4-10 weeks after exposure for Hep B. No fasting required.
Hepatitis B & C Panel
HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) + Hepatitis C antibody. Blood draw. Results in 2-5 days.
Express STI (includes Hep B)
5-in-1 blood panel: HBsAg + HIV + syphilis RPR + chlamydia Ab + herpes IgM. 24hr urgent results available.
XL Sexual Health (includes Hep B PCR)
35-pathogen panel including Hepatitis B PCR alongside all STIs, BV, Candida, and microbiome markers.
Hepatitis B (HBsAg) is included in the Express STI Package. The standalone Hep B & C Panel is R538. View all packages →
Hepatitis: Your Questions Answered
Is Hepatitis B sexually transmitted?
Yes, highly. Hepatitis B is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV through sexual contact. It also spreads through blood, shared needles, and from mother to child during birth. Vaccination prevents it.
Can you have hepatitis without symptoms?
Yes, for years or decades. Both chronic Hep B and Hep C can silently damage the liver. By the time symptoms appear, cirrhosis or liver cancer may already be developing. Blood testing is the only way to know.
Is Hepatitis C curable?
Yes, in over 95% of cases. Treatment from your doctor typically lasts 8-12 weeks and completely eliminates the virus. Early detection is essential because liver damage from untreated Hep C can be permanent.
Should I get vaccinated for Hepatitis B?
If you were not vaccinated as a child, yes. Speak to your GP or clinic. Epicentre does not provide the vaccine but our HBsAg blood test tells you whether you are already immune, currently infected, or need vaccination.
How soon after exposure can I test?
Hep B (HBsAg): 4-10 weeks. Ideal window: 3 months. Hep C (antibody): 8-12 weeks. Epicentre provides both tests. Results in 2-5 working days.
I had the Hep B vaccine as a baby. Am I still protected?
In most cases, yes. The Hepatitis B vaccine provides long-lasting protection. However, some people may lose immunity over time. An HBsAg test at Epicentre can confirm whether you are still immune.
How much does hepatitis testing cost?
Hep B & C Panel: R538. Express STI (includes Hep B): R1,076. XL (includes Hep B PCR): R3,305. Students 10% off. Payflex 4× interest-free. View all packages →
Other infections in this guide
Protect Your Liver. Get Tested.
A simple blood test. Results in days. Know whether you need vaccination, treatment, or nothing at all.
