Which hepatitis is most common

A doctor will prescribe different medications depending on the genotype, or variation, of hepatitis C that a person has. It is usually necessary to take these drugs for 12 to 24 weeks.

A vaccine exists for hepatitis B. The vaccine stimulates the body to make antibodies, or immune cells, that can fight the hepatitis B infection. People at risk of exposure to hepatitis B, infants, and people with an HIV infection should get the hepatitis B vaccine. There is no vaccine available for hepatitis C. However, certain lifestyle practices can help prevent the transmission of both viruses, including:.

Both hepatitis B and C infections can cause short- and long-term effects. However, hepatitis C is more likely to turn into a chronic condition than hepatitis B. A person can transmit hepatitis B through bodily fluids, while the transmission of hepatitis C usually only occurs through blood-to-blood contact. A person can reduce their risk of hepatitis B transmission by getting the hepatitis B vaccine. Doctors can often treat chronic hepatitis C.

If a person has risk factors for either form of hepatitis, such as sharing needles, a history of unprotected sex, or a blood transfusion before , they should speak to a doctor about testing. Hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne viral infection in the U. This article provides symptoms, causes, treatments, and outlook for acute and…. The most common types of viral hepatitis are A, B, and C.

They all affect the liver and have similar symptoms, but transmission and treatments differ…. All infants All children and adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not been vaccinated People at risk for infection by sexual exposure including: people whose sex partners have hepatitis B, sexually active people who are not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship, people seeking evaluation or treatment for an STD, and men who have sex with men People at risk for infection by exposure to blood including: people who inject drugs, people who live with a person who has hepatitis B, residents and staff of facilities for developmentally disabled people, health care and public safety workers at risk for exposure to blood or blood-contaminated body fluids on the job Hemodialysis patients and predialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and home dialysis patients People with diabetes aged 19—59 years; people with diabetes aged 60 or older should ask their doctor.

International travelers to countries where hepatitis B is common People with hepatitis C People with chronic liver disease People with HIV People who are in jail or prison All other people seeking protection from hepatitis B virus infection.

There is no vaccine available for hepatitis C. How serious is it? Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C People can be sick for a few weeks to a few months Most recover with no lasting liver damage Although very rare, death can occur. Who should be tested? CDC recommends hepatitis C testing for: All adults aged 18 years and older All pregnant women during each pregnancy People who ever injected drugs and shared needles, syringes, or other drug preparation equipment, including those who injected once or a few times many years ago.

Regular testing is recommended for people who currently inject and share needles, syringes, or other drug preparation equipment. People with HIV People who have ever received maintenance hemodialysis. Regular testing is recommended for people who currently receive maintenance hemodialysis. ABC Table What causes it? The hepatitis B virus can also be transmitted from: Birth to an infected mother Sex with an infected person Sharing equipment that has been contaminated with blood from an infected person, such as needles, syringes, and even medical equipment, such as glucose monitors Sharing personal items such as toothbrushes or razors Poor infection control has resulted in outbreaks in health care facilities Hepatitis C is spread when blood from a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus — even in microscopic amounts — enters the body of someone who is not infected.

The hepatitis C virus can also be transmitted from: Sharing equipment that has been contaminated with blood from an infected person, such as needles and syringes Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant before when widespread screening virtually eliminated hepatitis C from the blood supply Poor infection control has resulted in outbreaks in health care facilities Birth to an infected mother Who should be vaccinated?

International travelers to countries where hepatitis B is common People with hepatitis C People with chronic liver disease People with HIV People who are in jail or prison All other people seeking protection from hepatitis B virus infection There is no vaccine available for hepatitis C.

Symptoms: Many people with hepatitis do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. Hepatitis A. Hepatitis B. To schedule an appointment, call If I get a vaccination for hepatitis, which am I protected from? It can have many causes, including viruses, medications and alcohol. Most commonly, however, we think of the viruses, called A, B and C. There are several other viruses that cause inflammation of the liver, including hepatitis D and hepatitis E, but they are not as common in the United States as in other parts of the world.

Hepatitis A virus causes an acute inflammation of the liver hepatitis that almost always gets better on its own. It can be more serious if we are older when we have the disease. A different virus is responsible for each type of viral hepatitis.

This type of hepatitis is an acute, short-term disease. This is often an ongoing, chronic condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC estimates that around , people are living with chronic hepatitis B in the United States and around million people worldwide.

HCV is among the most common bloodborne viral infections in the United States and typically presents as a long-term condition.

According to the CDC, approximately 2. This is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. Globally, HDV affects almost 5 percent of people with chronic hepatitis B.

Hepatitis E is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply.

Although hepatitis is most commonly the result of an infection, other factors can cause the condition. Excess alcohol consumption can cause liver damage and inflammation. This may also be referred to as alcoholic hepatitis. The alcohol directly injures the cells of your liver. Over time, it can cause permanent damage and lead to thickening or scarring of liver tissue cirrhosis and liver failure.

In some cases, the immune system mistakes the liver as harmful and attacks it. This causes ongoing inflammation that can range from mild to severe, often hindering liver function. If you are living with a chronic form of hepatitis, like hepatitis B and C, you may not show symptoms until the damage affects liver function. By contrast, people with acute hepatitis may present with symptoms shortly after contracting a hepatitis virus.

Common symptoms of infectious hepatitis include :. It is crucial to understand what is causing hepatitis in order to treat it correctly. Doctors will progress through a series of tests to accurately diagnose your condition. To diagnose all forms of hepatitis, your doctor will first take your history to determine any risk factors you may have.

Your doctor may also check for any swelling of the liver and any yellow discoloration in your eyes or skin. Liver function tests use blood samples to determine how efficiently your liver works.

High liver enzyme levels may indicate that your liver is stressed, damaged, or not functioning correctly. If your liver function tests are abnormal, your doctor will likely order other blood tests to detect the source of the problem. These tests can determine if you have infectious hepatitis by checking for the presence of hepatitis viruses or antibodies your body produces to combat them.

When diagnosing hepatitis, doctors will also assess your liver for potential damage. A liver biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a sample of tissue from your liver. A medical professional may take this sample through your skin with a needle, meaning there is no need for surgery. They will typically use an ultrasound scan for guidance during this procedure. An abdominal ultrasound uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the organs within your abdomen.