Hepatitis

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a contagious disease that attacks the liver. It is caused by the Hepatitis A virus and is the most common type of viral hepatitis. The virus is usually spread through the "fecal-oral" route, meaning it can be transmitted from person to person by consuming contaminated food or drink or through direct contact with an infected person.

  • Symptoms: May include fever, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, stomach pain, dark-colored urine, and jaundice.
  • Prevention: The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is through vaccination. Two doses of the vaccine are required for full protection.

Learn more about Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It can lead to severe illness, liver damage, liver cancer, and even death. The virus can be transmitted through blood and bodily fluids.

  • Symptoms: Chronic carriers may develop liver failure or liver cancer related to Hepatitis B.
  • Prevention: Hepatitis B vaccine can provide protection against this disease. The vaccine is administered in three shots over six months.

Learn more about Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C, formerly known as non-A, non-B hepatitis, is a liver disease caused by a blood-borne virus. It is primarily spread through exposure to blood from an infected person, such as through blood transfusion or sharing of needles.

  • Symptoms: Many people with Hepatitis C do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected.
  • Treatment: There are no special medicines for the acute form of Hepatitis C, but treatments are available for chronic Hepatitis C. Currently, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.

Learn more about Hepatitis C

Education

Below are additional resources to help support Hepatitis Awareness and Hepatitis C Cure Day activities: