Are you at risk for hepatitis?

Laurel Kelly | (TNS) Mayo Clinic News Network

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. The five main strains of the hepatitis virus are referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. While they all cause liver disease, they differ in geographic prevalence, modes of transmission, severity of illness and prevention methods, according to the World Health Organization.

In the U.S., the most common types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is highly contagious, spreading through contact with contaminated food or water, or from close contact with an infected person or object. Unlike other types of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A does not cause long-term liver damage, and it doesn’t become chronic.

In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause a sudden loss of liver function, especially in older adults or people with chronic liver diseases. Acute liver failure requires a stay in the hospital for monitoring and treatment. Some people with acute liver failure may need a liver transplant.

Mild cases of hepatitis A don’t require treatment, and most people who are infected recover completely with no permanent liver damage. Practicing good hygiene, including frequent hand-washing, is one of the best ways to protect against hepatitis A.

You’re at increased risk of hepatitis A if you:

— Travel or work in areas of the world where hepatitis A is common.

— Live with another person who has hepatitis A.

— Are a man who has sexual contact with other men.

— Have any type of sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A.

— Are HIV positive.

— Are homeless.

— Use any type of recreational drugs, not just those that are injected.

The hepatitis A vaccine can prevent infection with the virus. If you’re concerned about your risk of hepatitis A, ask your health care professional if you should be vaccinated.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is passed from person to person through blood, semen or other bodily fluids. It does not spread by sneezing or coughing.

For most people, hepatitis B is short term, also called acute, and lasts less than six months. For others, hepatitis B infection becomes chronic, which increases their risk of developing liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis. The younger people are when they get hepatitis B, particularly newborns or children younger than 5, the higher the risk of the infection becoming chronic.

Chronic infection may go undetected for decades until a person becomes seriously ill from liver disease. A vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, but there’s no cure if you have the condition.

Your risk of hepatitis B infection increases if you:

— Have unprotected sex with multiple sex partners or with someone who’s infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV).

— Share needles during IV drug use.

— Are a man who has sex with other men.

— Live with someone who has a chronic HBV infection.

— Are an infant born to an infected mother.

— Have a job that exposes you to human blood.

— Travel to regions with high infection rates of HBV, such as Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa and Eastern Europe.

Hepatitis B is a common reason for liver transplants in the U.S.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is transmitted primarily by contaminated blood, and it also is a common reason for liver transplants in the U.S. Hepatitis C usually can be cured with oral medications taken every day for two to six months. But many people don’t know they’re infected because they have no symptoms, which can take decades to appear.