So that you know…

You've been told you have hepatitis, or you know someone who has hepatitis. No doubt you have questions. Although a doctor is the best person to consult about specific medical issues, you may find some useful information here.

This is a collection of common questions heard by healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. To find questions and answers primarily related to the treatment of hepatitis, see the section, "Questions To Ask Your Doctor." For general information about hepatitis A, B, and C and their transmission, continue reading. Please keep in mind that this information includes overviews and generalizations.

For Questions & Answers about treatments, see "Questions to Ask Your Doctor."

What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A (HAV), the least serious form of hepatitis, is usually contracted by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated by infected human excrement. Infected food handlers can pass the virus on if they do not wash their hands with soap after using the bathroom. About 150,000 people in the United States are infected each year with hepatitis A, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Acute hepatitis A usually resolves itself within 6 months and does not develop into a chronic disease. You may be able to continue to work and function, and you can recover at home.

What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B (HBV), a viral infection of the liver, is a serious form of hepatitis that is much more prevalent than HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In the United States, an estimated 1.2 million adults are carriers of hepatitis B. Worldwide, it is a common infectious disease, especially in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other countries in Southeast Asia. It can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or other body fluids, and is most commonly transmitted through sexual contact or sharing needles.

How is hepatitis B spread?
Hepatitis B is easily spread in blood, including blood from cuts of an infected person, nosebleeds, or even menstrual blood. Even a small amount of blood on household objects such as toothbrushes, razors, or manicure instruments can carry enough virus to infect another person. Other means of transmission include blood transfusions before 1975, hemodialysis, unprotected sex with multiple partners, tattoos and body piercing, sharing cocaine straws, and sharing IV drug needles.

If I am told I have hepatitis B, what can I expect?
About 90 percent of people who contract hepatitis B will recover within 6 months and will feel healthy and have few or no symptoms during that time. About 10 percent of those infected with hepatitis B will progress to chronic disease, and a portion of these will develop more serious and longstanding liver complications. Don’t panic! See your family doctor; depending upon the stage of your disease, your doctor will decide if you need to see a liver specialist. In either case, you will be monitored regularly and tested to see what effect the virus is having on your liver.

What symptoms do people with hepatitis B have?
Many patients with hepatitis B do not have any symptoms and feel well. Occasionally, a person infected with hepatitis B may have symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice — a yellowing of the eyes or skin.

What are the complications associated with hepatitis B?
A small proportion (about 10 percent) of people with hepatitis B will develop cirrhosis, or hardening of the liver. Of these, a small percentage has an increased risk of developing liver cancer. But the largest number of hepatitis B patients will carry the virus for life without it progressing into liver disease.

Who should I tell about my hepatitis B?
You have an obligation to tell your doctor, your dentist, and other healthcare professionals. Tell your friends only if you are sure that they will provide understanding and support. Since hepatitis B can be transmitted through sexual contact, you should also tell your partner and use precautions to prevent transmission.

How do I know whether I have the form of hepatitis B that will develop into more serious liver disease?
There is no way to predict who will develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. Following up regularly with your doctor is the best way to ensure that you receive proper treatment should any complications occur.

How does hepatitis B affect my intimate relationships?
If you have a steady partner and are in a monogamous relationship, your partner should be tested for hepatitis B and be vaccinated if there has been no prior exposure to the virus. Whether you have one or multiple partners, use condoms to prevent transmission.

Can I avoid getting hepatitis B?
There is a vaccine for hepatitis B. It is recommended for people who are routinely exposed to blood in their work. This includes healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, and those living with an infected person. It is also quite common to vaccinate newborns for hepatitis B.

Is there any treatment for hepatitis B?
A drug called interferon–a manufactured form of a protein naturally occurring in your body–is being used to treat hepatitis B. There are certain criteria for treatment, and not everyone will benefit from interferon.

For more information about treatment for chronic hepatitis B and C, see the "Treatment Options" section of this web site.

See also "Questions to Ask Your Doctor."

What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common and also the most serious form of chronic hepatitis in the United States and Europe. HCV is a slow and insidious virus that can cause liver damage over years, often without symptoms. Liver damage caused by HCV is the leading reason for liver transplantation in adults.

How do I get hepatitis C?
Like hepatitis B, hepatitis C is easily spread through contact with infected blood. At risk for contracting HCV are those who received blood transfusions prior to 1992 or were otherwise exposed to infected blood, IV drug users, people who receive tattoos or body piercings from nonsterile instruments, and, sometimes, household members. The risk of contracting hepatitis C through sexual contact is extremely low, except for people with multiple partners. About one-third of hepatitis C patients do not know how they contracted the disease.

How do I know if I have hepatitis C?
People with HCV are usually identified by laboratory testing of blood, because their liver enzymes are above normal. Or, because all donated blood is tested for hepatitis, you may be informed as a result of making a blood donation.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
Most people with HCV do not know they have the disease because they have no symptoms. When present, the symptoms may include flu-like symptoms, fatigue– especially as the day progresses–nausea, loss of appetite, and stomach tenderness.

Is hepatitis C treated?
If you have had the hepatitis C virus for more than 6 months, your doctor may recommend that you receive treatment to avoid permanent liver damage. Interferon, a manufactured version of a protein naturally occurring in your body, is the medicine used to treat hepatitis C initially.

Can I avoid getting hepatitis C?
There is currently no vaccine available to prevent hepatitis C. However, here are other measures you can take to decrease your risk of acquiring hepatitis C. For example, never share objects such as needles, razors, toothbrushes, nail files, and clippers. When getting a manicure, tattoo, or body piercing, make sure sterile instruments are used.

For more information about treatment for hepatitis C, see the "Treatment Options " section of this web site.