Quick Answer

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It is most often caused by a viral infection, with hepatitis A, B, and C being the three main types in the United States. Each type spreads differently and requires distinct prevention and treatment approaches.

  • Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food or water (fecal-oral route).
  • Hepatitis B spreads via blood, semen, or other body fluids.
  • Hepatitis C spreads primarily through blood-to-blood contact.
  • Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B, but not for hepatitis C.
  • Chronic hepatitis B and C can lead to liver damage or cancer over time.
  • Hepatitis A usually causes an acute, short-term illness.

Context Most Pages Skip

Hepatitis is a medical term that simply describes swelling of the liver, which can interfere with the organ's ability to filter blood, store energy, and fight infections. While several factors can cause this inflammation—such as alcohol, medications, or autoimmune conditions—viral hepatitis is the most common cause worldwide. Understanding which virus is involved matters because the way each hepatitis type spreads, the symptoms it causes, and the available treatments differ significantly. This guide focuses on hepatitis A, B, and C, the three most common viral forms in the U.S., to help you recognize the key differences and know what steps you can take to protect your liver health.

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⚕️ This page is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed clinician. If you may have been exposed to an STI, get tested — most infections are manageable, and many are fully curable.

Sources & Further Reading

Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.