Around the world about 400 million people have chronic viral hepatitis and about one million die every year due to chronic hepatitis infections.

What is viral Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. In the United States there are three types of viral Hepatitis: Hepatitis A, B and C.

All three strains of viral hepatitis can cause inflammation of the liver but hepatitis B and C cannot be cured—so once you have one of them, you have it for life. Hepatitis A is a milder infection that can be treated and cured.

Fast facts about viral hepatitis B and C:

• The leading cause of liver cancer 
• The most common reason for liver transplants

How are the three types of viral Hepatitis different?

Hepatitis A:

• This virus may cause mild to severe illness, but does not lead to chronic infection.
• Usually spread through food or water contaminated with poop or excrement.
• The best way to prevent this infection is to get vaccinated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the vaccine is recommended for all children at age one and all adults if there is a chance they could be infected.

Hepatitis B:

• This virus may cause both acute and chronic infections.
• Spread through contact with blood or other body fluids like saliva, semen or vaginal discharge of an infected person.
• The best way to prevent this infection is to get vaccinated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [HYPERLINK], the vaccine is recommended to all babies at birth and all adults if there is a chance they could be infected.

Hepatitis C:

• This virus may cause both acute and chronic infections.
• There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C

The best way to prevent this infection is by not:

• Sharing needles
• Sharing equipment used to inject drugs or steroids.

To keep yourself from getting hepatitis, talk to you doctor about prevention, get vaccinated, and avoid risky behavior like sharing needles and drug equipment.