Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. There are five major types – A, B, C, D and E. All of these viruses can 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, chronic hepatitis can cause cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver failure or liver cancer. These conditions are potentially fatal.

Hepatitis A and E are most commonly spread through food or water that is contaminated with the fecal matter of infected individuals. Hepatitis B, C and D are primarily spread through contact with the bodily fluids of people infected with these viruses. This may occur during childbirth, through sexual contact with an infected individual, or through shared intravenous (I.V.) needles among illegal drug users. In the United States, hepatitis A, B and C are far more common than hepatitis D and E. Other types of hepatitis viruses may exist that have not yet been identified.

Many people with hepatitis may not experience any symptoms and never even know they have the disease. When symptoms do occur, they can be common 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. Vaccinations are available to prevent hepatitis A and B.

Women who have viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B,  can pass this virus on to their children during childbirth, often with devastating consequences. For this reason, it is important that pregnant women have a blood test to screen for hepatitis as part of their prenatal care. If the mother tests positive, the baby can be given medicines shortly after birth that can reduce the long-term risk to the child’s health.