Hepatitis (Viral)

Viral hepatitis is an infection that causes liver inflammation and damage. Several different viruses cause hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The hepatitis A and E viruses typically cause acute infections. The hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can cause acute and chronic infections.

Hepatitis A causes only acute infection and typically gets better without treatment after a few weeks. The hepatitis A virus spreads through contact with an infected person’s stool. You can protect yourself by getting the hepatitis A vaccine.

Hepatitis B can cause acute or chronic infection. Your doctor may recommend screening you for hepatitis B if you are pregnant or have a high chance of being infected. You can protect yourself from hepatitis B by getting the hepatitis B vaccine.

Hepatitis C can cause acute or chronic infection. Doctors usually recommend one-time screening of all adults ages 18 to 79 for hepatitis C. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent liver damage.

The hepatitis D virus is unusual because it can only infect you when you also have a hepatitis B virus infection. A coinfection occurs when you get both hepatitis D and hepatitis B infections at the same time. A superinfection occurs if you already have chronic hepatitis B and then become infected with hepatitis D.

Hepatitis E is typically an acute infection that gets better without treatment after several weeks. Some types of hepatitis E virus are spread by drinking water contaminated by an infected person’s stool. Other types are spread by eating undercooked pork or wild game.