Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by several different types of viruses. Because there are a number of different viruses that cause viral hepatitis, they are labeled as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E. Each hepatitis virus has an individual effect on the liver and body.

Overall, all forms of hepatitis share similar symptoms, although not every person will have symptoms. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, among others.

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E

Hepatitis A and E are spread through food or water that has been contaminated by the feces of an infected person. The people most at risk are daycare or nursing home workers, travelers who are visiting areas where there are severe outbreaks of Hepatitis A, those individuals living with someone who has an outbreak of Hepatitis A, and anyone engaging in anal sex. There is a vaccine for Hepatitis A, but none for Hepatitis E. People can keep safe by not drinking the tap water while on vacation in foreign countries, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding unprotected sex. These strains of Hepatitis usually will resolve themselves.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is spread through unprotected sex, childbirth, and contact with infected blood. People at risk are those who have sexual relations with an infected person, unborn children of infected mothers, people who have received a blood transfusion, and international travelers. Hepatitis B does have a vaccination available, but if contracted, there is a drug treatment for chronic outbreaks.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is spread through infected blood. Drug users who share needles, unprotected sex with an infected person, people who have received blood transfusions before 1992, and people who need blood clotting factors are most at risk. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, so people must be especially diligent to avoid the risk factors. Chronic Hepatitis C is treated with drug therapy.

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D is spread through infected blood, but only to people who are already infected with Hepatitis B. The best protection against Hepatitis D is getting the vaccination for Hepatitis B. If already infected with Hepatitis B, avoid intravenous drug use and unprotected sex.