How Do You Get Hepatitis A, B, and C?
Hepatitisis swelling or inflammation of the liver, often sparked by a viral infection.
These viruses are contagious, and how they are transmitted differs by the virus responsible.
Patricio Nahuelhual / Getty Images
The infection may be short-term or chronic.
Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through food and water contaminated with stool from a person with the infection.
Hepatitis symptoms vary by virus jot down and may include fever, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
The available treatment options depend on the bang out of hepatitis virus.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis Ais due to the hepatitis A virus.
There were 11,500 infections in the United States in 2021.
It is spread by ingesting contaminated food or water.
It can also spread through contact with an infected person.
The virus can last from weeks to months.
Thehepatitis A vaccineis recommended for all children aged 12 to 23 months.
Children and teens aged 2 to 18 years who have never been vaccinated can receive the Hepatitis A vaccine.
Your healthcare provider may recommend the hepatitis A vaccine if you are pregnant.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis Bis because of hepatitis B virus.
In 2021, there were 13,300 new infections diagnosed in the United States.
It is estimated that there are about 640,000 cases of chronic hepatitis B in the United States.
Up to 2 out of 3 people with hepatitis B do not know that they have it.
This virus can cause a short-term, mild illness or may become chronic.
This can occur during sex, sharing needles or personal items, and direct contact with an open sore.
It can be spread from the pregnant person to the child during childbirth as well.
Hepatitis B is not transmitted through kissing or sharing eating utensils.
Hepatitis B may cause a short-term illness within six months of exposure.
The illness can vary from very mild to severe.
Hepatitis B can be prevented with thehepatitis B vaccine.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis Cis due to hepatitis C virus.
There were about 69,800 new infections diagnosed in the United States in 2021.
It is estimated that 40% of people with hepatitis C do not know that they are infected.
Fortunately, hepatitis C can be cured.
Untreated hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer and the need for aliver transplant.
The virus may cause a mild illness that lasts a few weeks or a serious, lifelong infection.
About half of adults who contract hepatitis C develop a chronic infection.
Hepatitis C is spread through contact with an infected persons blood or body fluids.
Hepatitis C is not spread through kissing or sharing eating utensils.
Only people with hepatitis B can contract it, and this infection is uncommon in the United States.
It can cause a short-term or long-term (chronic) illness.
There is no vaccine for hepatitis D. Fortunately, the hepatitis B vaccine can lower your risk.
Fortunately, most people with hepatitis E recover fully.
However, people with compromised immune systems may require treatment.
Hepatitis Symptoms
Hepatitis is a serious liver infection and may cause several symptoms.
A chronic infection may not cause symptoms for years.
It is also possible to experience no symptoms at all.
The most common symptom of hepatitis A is jaundice.
Young children often experience no symptoms.
Many people with hepatitis B do not have symptoms.People with hepatitis C may not experience symptoms.
Common symptoms of hepatitis C include jaundice, no appetite, and stomach pain.
Symptoms of chronic hepatitis C may include chronic fatigue and depression.
How Does Hepatitis Spread?
Viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis.
Hepatitis A and E are transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water.
This is known as the fecal-oral route.
This route may include sex, sharing needles or personal items, and childbirth.
Your provider will start with a physical exam for jaundice and other signs.
People with hepatitis A and E usually recover without any lasting liver damage.
It is possible to be ill for weeks to months and then recover.
Treatment for hepatitis A and E usually includes supportive therapies like rest, fluids, and a nutritious diet.
People with hepatitis B and D also receive supportive therapies to relieve symptoms.
People with chronic hepatitis B require treatment with antiviral drugs.
People who have hepatitis C usually receive antiviral medication for eight to 12 weeks.
Starting the medication as soon as possible helps to reduce the amount of liver damage.
It is important to avoid alcohol and certain medications when you have hepatitis.
Whats the Outlook for People With Hepatitis?
Treating hepatitis as soon as possible improves the prognosis and lowers the risk of liver damage and complications.
Hepatitis A and B are preventable with vaccines.
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, children, and adults under age 60.
To lower the risk of hepatitis A and E, use good hygiene practices when preparing food.
Always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before handling food.
When traveling internationally, avoid any water that has not been purified.
Do not share needles or personal items like toothbrushes.
Summary
Hepatitis refers to swelling or inflammation in the liver.
The most common cause of hepatitis is an infection.
This can happen during sex, sharing needles, sharing personal items, and childbirth.
Possible symptoms of hepatitis include jaundice, abdominal pain, fever, and fatigue.
Treatments usually include antiviral medications and supportive care, including rest, fluids, and good nutrition.
Hepatitis A and B are preventable with vaccines.
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