The pamphlet explains that hepatitis is a general term for liver inflammation, that sexual contact is one common infection source, that there are three strains of virus -- Types A, B, and C -- and that they differ in severity and treatability.

Hepatitis A is described as preventable through vaccination and curable, with only a brief period of communicability. Hepatitis B vaccines can prevent that strain, but it is not curable, the carrier of the virus may remain a potential source of infection for life, and it can cause cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer in those with the chronic form.

It explains that hepatitis C is the most serious of the three, since no vaccine or cure exists, chronic carriers can transmit the disease for life, and many develop potentially fatal liver disease.

It recommends testing for infection if the readers fears he or she has been exposed, vaccination for type A and B hepatitis for those at higher risk and avoiding high-risk activities like unprotected sex and needle sharing.

Abstaining from sex or condom use are recommended as ways to reduce the risk of sexual transmission.

Those wanting to learn more about these three diseases are referred to In the Know Zone, Fox Pro Media's free STD information Web site, and the National STD Hotline.