Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of HepatitisSymptomsTransmissionDiagnosisTreatmentOutlookPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Hepatitis
Symptoms
Transmission
Diagnosis
Treatment
Outlook
Prevention
Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through food and water contaminated with stool from a person with the infection. Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids from a person with the infection.
This article will examine the different types of hepatitis and their contagiousness, as well as the symptoms, treatment, and outlook.
Patricio Nahuelhual / Getty Images
Thetypes of viral hepatitisare hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. They are spread through contaminated food, water, blood, or body fluids.
Hepatitis A
People who are at an increased risk for hepatitis A include those who:
Hepatitis A can be prevented with a vaccine. Thehepatitis A vaccineis recommended for all children aged 12 to 23 months. Children and teens aged 2 to 18 years who have never been vaccinated can receive the Hepatitis A vaccine. Your healthcare provider may recommend the hepatitis A vaccine if you are pregnant.
A Note on Gender and Sex TerminologyVerywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To accurately reflect our sources, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as they are used in the sources.
A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology
Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To accurately reflect our sources, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as they are used in the sources.
Hepatitis B
This virus can cause a short-term, mild illness or may become chronic. Chronic hepatitis B infection is a leading cause ofliver cancer, along with hepatitis C.
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. This can occur during sex, sharing needles or personal items, and direct contact with an open sore. It can be spread from the pregnant person to the child during childbirth as well. Hepatitis B is not transmitted through kissing or sharing eating utensils.
Hepatitis B may cause a short-term illness within six months of exposure. The illness can vary from very mild to severe. Hepatitis B can be prevented with thehepatitis B vaccine. It is recommended for all infants, children, and adults aged 19 to 59, as well as adults over 60 with certain risk factors.
Hepatitis C
Untreated hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer and the need for aliver transplant. The virus may cause a mild illness that lasts a few weeks or a serious, lifelong infection.
About half of adults who contract hepatitis C develop a chronic infection. About 5% to 25% of people with chronic hepatitis C developcirrhosis(extensive liver scarring) over 10 to 20 years.
Hepatitis C is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids. This can occur during sex, sharing needles, tattoos or body piercings, childbirth, and blood transfusions or organ transplants that took place before 1992. Hepatitis C is not spread through kissing or sharing eating utensils.
Hepatitis D
Like hepatitis B and C, hepatitis D is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids. It can cause a short-term or long-term (chronic) illness. There is no vaccine for hepatitis D. Fortunately, the hepatitis B vaccine can lower your risk.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is uncommon in the United States and most often occurs in developing countries where people do not have access to clean drinking water. In the United States, it is possible to contract hepatitis E from undercooked pork, deer meat, and shellfish.
Hepatitis Symptoms
Hepatitis is a serious liver infection and may cause several symptoms. Common symptoms of hepatitis include:
People with an acute hepatitis infection may experience symptoms between two weeks and six months after acquiring the infection. A chronic infection may not cause symptoms for years. It is also possible to experience no symptoms at all.
The most common symptom of hepatitis A is jaundice. Young children often experience no symptoms.
Many people with hepatitis B do not have symptoms.People with hepatitis C may not experience symptoms. Common symptoms of hepatitis C include jaundice, no appetite, and stomach pain. Symptoms of chronic hepatitis C may include chronic fatigue and depression.
How Does Hepatitis Spread?
Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through contact with blood or body fluids from a person with the infection. This route may include sex, sharing needles or personal items, and childbirth.
How Hepatitis Is Transmitted
In addition to viruses, noninfectious causes of hepatitis (which are not contagious) include:
How Hepatitis Is Diagnosed
Several diagnostic tests are available when you and your healthcare provider suspect that you may have hepatitis. Your provider will start with a physical exam for jaundice and other signs.
Diagnostic tests for hepatitis include:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults be screened for hepatitis B and C at least once in their lifetimes. Other groups who may benefit from hepatitis screening include:
Hepatitis Treatment
The medical treatments for hepatitis vary depending on the type of virus and whether the infection is acute or chronic.
People with hepatitis A and E usually recover without any lasting liver damage. It is possible to be ill for weeks to months and then recover. Treatment for hepatitis A and E usually includes supportive therapies like rest, fluids, and a nutritious diet.
People with hepatitis B and D also receive supportive therapies to relieve symptoms. People with chronic hepatitis B require treatment with antiviral drugs.
People who have hepatitis C usually receive antiviral medication for eight to 12 weeks. Starting the medication as soon as possible helps to reduce the amount of liver damage. It is important to avoid alcohol and certain medications when you have hepatitis.
What’s the Outlook for People With Hepatitis?
The outlook for a person with hepatitis depends on the type of virus contracted, the amount of liver damage, and their overall health. Treating hepatitis as soon as possible improves the prognosis and lowers the risk of liver damage and complications.
Treatment for hepatitis C can produce a sustained viral response (essentially a cure) in about 95% of those treated.
Possible complications of hepatitis include:
How to Prevent Hepatitis
Fortunately, many cases of hepatitis are preventable. Hepatitis A and B are preventable with vaccines.
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children aged 12 to 23 months and for older children who have not received the vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, children, and adults under age 60.
To lower the risk of hepatitis A and E, use good hygiene practices when preparing food. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before handling food. When traveling internationally, avoid any water that has not been purified.
To lower the risk of hepatitis B, C, and D, use a condom when having sex, especially with a new partner. Do not share needles or personal items like toothbrushes. If you have hepatitis and are pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about how you can prevent transmitting the virus to your child.
Summary
Hepatitis refers to swelling or inflammation in the liver. The most common cause of hepatitis is an infection. The viral types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The most common types in the United States are hepatitis A, B, and C.
Possible symptoms of hepatitis include jaundice, abdominal pain, fever, and fatigue. Treatments usually include antiviral medications and supportive care, including rest, fluids, and good nutrition.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Viral hepatitis basics.Xiang TD, Zheng X.Interaction between hepatitis B virus and SARS-CoV-2 infections.World J Gastroenterol. 2021;27(9):782-793. doi:10.3748/wjg.v27.i9.782MedlinePlus.Hepatitis.National Cancer Institute.Liver cancer causes, risk factors, and prevention.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis C basics.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis D basics.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis E basics.Castaneda D, Gonzalez AJ, Alomari M, Tandon K, Zervos XB.From hepatitis A to E: A critical review of viral hepatitis.World J Gastroenterol. 2021;27(16):1691-1715. doi:10.3748/wjg.v27.i16.1691Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of hepatitis A.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B basics.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Hepatitis.Department of Veterans Affairs.Hepatitis C medications: An overview for patients.Odenwald MA, Paul S.Viral hepatitis: Past, present, and future.World J Gastroenterol. 2022;28(14):1405-1429. doi:10.3748/wjg.v28.i14.1405
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Viral hepatitis basics.Xiang TD, Zheng X.Interaction between hepatitis B virus and SARS-CoV-2 infections.World J Gastroenterol. 2021;27(9):782-793. doi:10.3748/wjg.v27.i9.782MedlinePlus.Hepatitis.National Cancer Institute.Liver cancer causes, risk factors, and prevention.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis C basics.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis D basics.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis E basics.Castaneda D, Gonzalez AJ, Alomari M, Tandon K, Zervos XB.From hepatitis A to E: A critical review of viral hepatitis.World J Gastroenterol. 2021;27(16):1691-1715. doi:10.3748/wjg.v27.i16.1691Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of hepatitis A.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B basics.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Hepatitis.Department of Veterans Affairs.Hepatitis C medications: An overview for patients.Odenwald MA, Paul S.Viral hepatitis: Past, present, and future.World J Gastroenterol. 2022;28(14):1405-1429. doi:10.3748/wjg.v28.i14.1405
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Viral hepatitis basics.Xiang TD, Zheng X.Interaction between hepatitis B virus and SARS-CoV-2 infections.World J Gastroenterol. 2021;27(9):782-793. doi:10.3748/wjg.v27.i9.782MedlinePlus.Hepatitis.National Cancer Institute.Liver cancer causes, risk factors, and prevention.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis C basics.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis D basics.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis E basics.Castaneda D, Gonzalez AJ, Alomari M, Tandon K, Zervos XB.From hepatitis A to E: A critical review of viral hepatitis.World J Gastroenterol. 2021;27(16):1691-1715. doi:10.3748/wjg.v27.i16.1691Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of hepatitis A.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B basics.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Hepatitis.Department of Veterans Affairs.Hepatitis C medications: An overview for patients.Odenwald MA, Paul S.Viral hepatitis: Past, present, and future.World J Gastroenterol. 2022;28(14):1405-1429. doi:10.3748/wjg.v28.i14.1405
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Viral hepatitis basics.
Xiang TD, Zheng X.Interaction between hepatitis B virus and SARS-CoV-2 infections.World J Gastroenterol. 2021;27(9):782-793. doi:10.3748/wjg.v27.i9.782
MedlinePlus.Hepatitis.
National Cancer Institute.Liver cancer causes, risk factors, and prevention.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis C basics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis D basics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis E basics.
Castaneda D, Gonzalez AJ, Alomari M, Tandon K, Zervos XB.From hepatitis A to E: A critical review of viral hepatitis.World J Gastroenterol. 2021;27(16):1691-1715. doi:10.3748/wjg.v27.i16.1691
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of hepatitis A.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B basics.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Hepatitis.
Department of Veterans Affairs.Hepatitis C medications: An overview for patients.
Odenwald MA, Paul S.Viral hepatitis: Past, present, and future.World J Gastroenterol. 2022;28(14):1405-1429. doi:10.3748/wjg.v28.i14.1405
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