Viral hepatitis is the inflammation and damage of liver cells due to infection. There are different types and causes of hepatitis, but the symptoms can be similar.
The liver is essential for removing toxins from the blood, storing vitamins, and producing hormones along with other functions. Viral hepatitis can disrupt these important processes, causing various health concerns.
There are
Each type has different characteristics, and transmission happens differently, but the symptoms
This article covers the different types of hepatitis, including their symptoms, treatments, and outlooks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate around
Overall, the number of U.S. cases has declined during the past 20 years — largely due to immunization — but outbreaks sometimes occur.
People typically contract Hepatitis A from food or water that has come into contact with fecal matter from a person with the virus. It is common in many countries, especially those with ineffective sanitation systems.
Symptoms
A person will typically experience symptoms within
However, many people do not experience symptoms at all. Most people make a full recovery within a few weeks to several months. After this, they have immunity to it. Children
In rare cases, hepatitis A can be fatal. However, there are safe and effective vaccines that protect against this virus.
People at an increased risk for hepatitis A include:
- international travelers
- men who have sex with men
- people with limited or no access to clean water
- people living in areas with poor sanitation
- sexual partners of people with hepatitis A
- people experiencing homelessness
- people who use recreational drugs and toxins
Diagnosis and treatment
Healthcare professionals
There is no cure for hepatitis A, but treatment can help manage symptoms, and
In rare cases, hepatitis A does not resolve, and people may experience complications such as acute liver failure. In such cases, liver transplantation may be lifesaving.
The CDC estimates that around
Infection with hepatitis B is
Long-term complications, such as liver cancer or cirrhosis, can affect around 15–25% of people with chronic hepatitis B. There is no cure, but treatment can help manage the condition.
Hepatitis B typically spreads when the blood or semen of a person with the virus enters another person’s body. Risk factors include:
- having sexual intercourse without barrier methods
- sharing needles
- having a tattoo with unsterilized needles
- sustaining accidental skin pricks with medical equipment
- sharing personal items, such as a toothbrush or razor
- breastfeeding by a person with the virus
- birth by someone with the virus
Symptoms
Symptoms are similar to those of other types of hepatitis. People may initially be asymptomatic or may not display symptoms at all.
When a person with hepatitis B displays symptoms, they may
- fever
- skin rash
- joint pain
- arthritis
- jaundice
- fatigue
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- anorexia
A safe and effective vaccine can protect people from hepatitis B infection. The number of cases
Learn more about the hepatitis B vaccine here.
Diagnosis and treatment
Healthcare professionals will take
There is no cure for hepatitis B, which resolves on its own in 95% of cases. Supportive care can help manage symptoms. In cases of chronic illness, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication, and they will monitor the liver regularly to check for damage over time.
During treatment and recovery, a person should also avoid alcohol and drugs and supplements that are toxic to the liver.
Hepatitis B is the
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that usually transmits through people sharing needles or other drug-related equipment.
The CDC estimates that around
Other people at risk of exposure include healthcare workers who handle sharps and children born to females with the virus.
It can be a short-term condition, but
Symptoms
A person may have no symptoms, and
When symptomatic, symptoms of hepatitis C
- nausea
- malaise
- right upper quadrant pain
- dark urine
- jaundice
Diagnosis and treatment
As with hepatitis A and B, the
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), the body will eliminate the virus in around 25% of people. However, it can remain in the body and become chronic in others.
According to the
As with other types of hepatitis, people who have hepatitis C
Learn more about hepatitis C here.
In severe cases, Hepatitis C
Hepatitis D is another viral hepatitis infection that can be acute and chronic. As with other hepatitis infections, it causes damage to a person’s liver.
However, these infections only occur in people who already have hepatitis B. The hepatitis D virus cannot establish itself otherwise. Around
Symptoms
Most people with hepatitis D are asymptomatic.
When symptoms present, they are similar to those of other hepatitis infections. They
Diagnosis and treatment
Doctors will make a hepatitis D diagnosis if they can find specific hepatitis D antibodies within a person’s bodily fluids. This process involves laboratory testing.
There is no known treatment for acute hepatitis D. Although some experimental work has shown that certain medications might help with chronic hepatitis D, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is yet to approve these treatments.
The hepatitis D infection can cause severe liver damage, and in some cases, a person may need a liver transplant.
Hepatitis E is a viral hepatitis infection that has acute and chronic forms. The chronic form is
The hepatitis E virus is the
Symptoms
In
- stomach pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- jaundice
- malaise
- anorexia
Although a person can contract hepatitis E via blood transfusion, food or water that has come into contact with the feces of a person with the virus is the most common infection route.
Diagnosis and treatment
Healthcare professionals assess
Although scientists have not yet developed standardized tests for hepatitis E, laboratory testing is also important.
There is no standard line of treatment for hepatitis E infections, which usually resolve without treatment after a few weeks. However, in more serious and rare cases, a liver transplant may become necessary.
The prevention of hepatitis transmission varies depending on the type.
Experts recommend regular screening for hepatitis A, B and C for those at higher risk. Doctors also routinely screen for hepatitis B and C during pregnancy.
The sections below discuss means of prevention by type.
Hepatitis A and E
Hepatitis A and E are most commonly spread through food and water that has come into contact with the feces of a person with the virus.
Some ways of preventing infection include:
- washing the hands carefully after using the bathroom and before eating
- ensuring that food is fully cooked and appropriately stored
- drinking only bottled water when traveling
- avoiding or peeling fruits and vegetables that may have been washed or grown in unsanitized water
People may ask their doctor about the hepatitis A vaccine, especially if they are traveling to an area where the virus is prevalent.
Hepatitis B, C, and D
To minimize the risk of transmission, where relevant, a person should:
- talk openly with any sexual partners about any viruses they may have
- use a barrier method, such as a condom, during sex
- only use previously unused, clean needles
- avoid sharing toothbrushes, razors, and manicure instruments
- check that any tattoo or acupuncture equipment is sterile
People with a high risk of exposure to hepatitis B can ask their doctor about vaccination, but there is no vaccination for hepatitis C.
People who believe they may have hepatitis should seek medical help. A healthcare professional can advise on a person’s treatment, reduce the risk of complications and avoid transmitting the virus.
In people with HIV, there is a higher risk of contracting a hepatitis B or C infection. The impact can also be more severe, as the body is less able to fight the infection.
To lower their risk of hepatitis infection and complications, people with HIV should:
- take precautions to prevent infection and transmission of hepatitis
- attend all health checks
- adhere to their treatment plan
Immunization can prevent hepatitis A and B, but not C. Treatment is available for hepatitis B and C, but not A.
There are five hepatitis viruses, and each type has different characteristics. The outlook for people with hepatitis depends on the type, whether or not they have symptoms, and whether they seek treatment.
Some people do not know they have chronic hepatitis until liver failure occurs.
Different types of hepatitis have different chances of recovery. For example:
- Hepatitis A: This type normally resolves within 2 months without having any long-term effects, and the person will have lifelong immunity afterward.
- Hepatitis B: Most adults recover within 90 days and have lifelong immunity. However, according to the
CDC , 90% of infants, 20–50% of older children aged 1–5 years, and 5% of adults develop a chronic infection. Chronic infection can lead to severe complications, such as liver cancer or cirrhosis. - Hepatitis C: The infection is chronic in
75–85% of people who have it, and 1–5% of people will experience life threatening complications. Treatment is available, but 15–25% of people will recover without it. - Hepatitis D: Although this infection is
mostly benign in the long term, it only occurs in people with hepatitis B. - Hepatitis E: This infection
often resolves on its own, without serious long-term harm. However, when someone has a rapidly worsening hepatitis E infection, the fatality rate will be between0.5–3% .
People who suspect they have hepatitis should speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.