Hepatitis Information
Hepatitis A, B, and C
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy
alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is also the name of a family of
viral infections that affect the liver; the most common types in the
Hepatitis A
Is a contagious liver disease that results from infection
with the hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness
lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person
ingests fecal matter —even in microscopic amounts—from contact with objects,
food, or drinks contaminated by the feces or stool of an infected person.
The best way to
prevent hepatitis A is by getting vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Is a contagious liver disease that results from infection
with the hepatitis B virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness
lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. Hepatitis B is usually spread when blood,
semen, or another body fluid from a person infected with the hepatitis B virus
enters the body of someone who is not infected.
This can happen through sexual contact with an infected person or
sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment. Hepatitis B can also be passed from an
infected mother to her baby at birth.
Hepatitis B can be either acute or chronic. Acute hepatitis B virus infection is a
short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is
exposed to the hepatitis B virus. Acute
infection can —but does not always —lead to chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is a
long–term illness that occurs when the hepatitis B virus remains in a person’s
body. Chronic hepatitis B is a serious
disease that can result in long–term health problems, and even death.
The best way to
prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated.
Hepatitis C
Is a contagious liver disease that results from infection
with the hepatitis C virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness
lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from
a person infected with the hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is
not infected. Most people become
infected with the hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to
inject drugs.
Hepatitis C can be either “acute” or “chronic”. Acute hepatitis C virus infection is a
short–term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is
exposed to the hepatitis C virus. For
most people, acute infection leads to chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis C is a serious disease than
can result in long–term health problems, or even death.
There is no
vaccine for hepatitis C. The best way to
prevent hepatitis C is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease,
especially injection drug use.