Hepatitis A

Author: Dr Norah Terrault University of California San Francisco 2008-07-14

Hepatitis A virus. CDC

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the most common cause of acute hepatitis in the United States. The virus is transmitted by person-to-person contact and by ingestion of contaminated food and water. Acute infection with hepatitis A does not cause chronic infection but those who get hepatitis A and recover are protected from getting the infection again. A safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent infection.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis virus. PHIL

Author: Dr Norah Terrault University of California San Francisco 2008-07-22

Hepatitis B can cause both acute and chronic infection. Worldwide, there are approximately 350-400 million persons infected with chronic hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis B infection cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Several treatment options are available for those with chronic infection and treatment can prevent or even reverse the complications of liver disease. A safe and effective vaccine is available to protect individuals from getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis virus. PHIL

Author: Dr Norah Terrault University of California San Francisco 2008-07-23
Hepatitis C is a common cause of chronic liver disease both worldwide and in the U.S. Hepatitis C virus is transmitted through blood or blood-contaminated objects. Many individuals do not know they are infected. Most persons with chronic hepatitis C will be without any symptoms. Acute infection is followed by a chronic disease is the majority of those infected. Hepatitis C infection can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer after several decades of infection. Effective treatments are available.