Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. There are five major types of viral hepatitis – A, B, C, D and E. All of these viruses cause acute liver inflammation, which often resolves on its own without treatment after a period of time. However, some people with hepatitis B or C develop a chronic infection that damages the liver. Left untreated, hepatitis can cause cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver failure or liver cancer. These conditions are potentially fatal.

Hepatitis A and E are primarily spread through contact with the fecal matter of people infected with these viruses. Hepatitis B, C and D are primarily spread through contact with the bodily fluids of people infected with these viruses, either through sexual contact, intravenous drug use or childbirth. In the United States, hepatitis A, B and C are far more common than hepatitis D or E. Other types of hepatitis may exist that have not yet been identified.

Many people with hepatitis may not experience any symptoms and never know they have been infected with the virus or have the disease. When symptoms do occur, they can be general enough to be mistaken for another condition. These symptoms include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice. Physicians may diagnose the different types of hepatitis through blood tests.

Some types of hepatitis do not require treatment or can be treated with medications. Others cannot be treated, but may worsen and damage the liver. If the liver experiences sufficient cirrhosis, liver failure may occur.  

Most forms of hepatitis can be prevented with good hygiene and safe-sex practices. Avoidance of contaminated food and water and careful hand washing can prevent transmission of the foodborne types of hepatitis. Practices that minimize contact with the blood or body fluids of others can prevent transmission of the bloodborne types of hepatitis. Vaccines have been developed to help prevent hepatitis A and B.