Quick Answer
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are both viral infections that affect the liver, but they are caused by different viruses. Hepatitis B is often a short-term illness, while hepatitis C usually becomes a chronic, long-term infection. Both spread through blood or bodily fluids, but hepatitis B can also spread from mother to baby during birth.
- Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV); hepatitis C by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
- Hepatitis B can be acute or chronic; hepatitis C becomes chronic in most infected adults.
- A vaccine prevents hepatitis B, but there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
- Both viruses spread through contact with infected blood, needles, or unprotected sex.
- Hepatitis B may cause jaundice; hepatitis C often has no early symptoms.
- Unlike hepatitis A, neither hepatitis B nor C spreads through contaminated food or water.
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Understanding the difference between hepatitis B and hepatitis C starts with knowing they are separate viruses that attack the liver. While both can cause serious liver damage over time, they behave very differently in the body. Hepatitis B is more likely to be cleared by the immune system, especially in adults, whereas hepatitis C tends to persist. This guide explains how each virus spreads, progresses, and what you need to know about prevention and testing. It does not cover hepatitis A, which is spread through a different route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is difference between jaundice and hepatitis?
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are both viral infections that affect the liver, but they are caused by different viruses. Hepatitis B is often a short-term illness, while hepatitis C usually becomes a chronic, long-term infection. Both spread through blood or bodily fluids, but hepatitis B can also spread from mother to baby during birth.
What is the difference between acute and chronic hepatitis?
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are both viral infections that affect the liver, but they are caused by different viruses. Hepatitis B is often a short-term illness, while hepatitis C usually becomes a chronic, long-term infection. Both spread through blood or bodily fluids, but hepatitis B can also spread from mother to baby during birth.
What is the difference between acute and chronic hepatitis b?
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are both viral infections that affect the liver, but they are caused by different viruses. Hepatitis B is often a short-term illness, while hepatitis C usually becomes a chronic, long-term infection. Both spread through blood or bodily fluids, but hepatitis B can also spread from mother to baby during birth.
Related Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- CDC — Sexually Transmitted Infections
- CDC STI Treatment Guidelines
- WHO — Sexually transmitted infections fact sheet
- MedlinePlus — Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.