Hepatitis A is a virus that causes acute inflammation of the liver that results in a severe illness that lasts for days to months. Nausea, vomiting, dehydration, jaudice, and severe fatigue are typical symptoms. The recovery period is about 6-8 weeks. The virus is transmitted sexually or through contaminated food or water. It is common in third world countries, but there are many cases right here in DC. The vaccine is given in 2 doses over a six month period. Hepatitis B is a virus that is transmitted sexually or through shared IV needles. Jaundice, severe fatigue, nausea and vomiting are typical. The recovery time can be up to 6 months. 10% of those infected never get rid of the virus and are left with chronic Hepatitis B. Half of these patients will go on to develop progressive liver disease which may result in liver failure. There are a variety of treatments available for chronic hepatitis with variable success. The Vaccine is given in 3 doses over a 6 month period. There is a combination vaccine for both Hepatitis A and B that is given in 3 doses over a six month period. I highly recommend both vaccines for anyone that is sexually active. I believe everyone should be immunized against Hepatitis A with rare exceptions.