To Book an Appointment

Types of Hepatitis: Symptoms, Causes & Prevention

By Dr. Manik Sharma in Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endoscopy

Jun 04 , 2025 | 4 min read

Hepatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the liver. Since the liver plays a major role in digestion, detoxification, and overall body function, keeping it healthy is essential. Hepatitis can occur for various reasons, but viral hepatitis—caused by different viruses—is the most common and widely known form.

There are five main types of viral hepatitis: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Each type differs in how it spreads, how serious it is, and how it's treated. Let's understand them in detail.

What Is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to liver inflammation that can interfere with how the liver works. It can be temporary (acute) or last for a long time (chronic). Causes of hepatitis include viral infections, alcohol use, certain medications, or an overactive immune system attacking the liver.

Types of Viral Hepatitis

Hepatitis A (HAV)

How it spreads: Through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person.
Common in: Areas with poor sanitation or during travel to such places.
Symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin (jaundice).
Treatment: No specific medicine is needed. Most people recover on their own in a few weeks.
Prevention: A safe and effective vaccine is available. Good hygiene and clean water help prevent it.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

How it spreads: Through infected blood, semen, or other body fluids or needle prick. It can also be passed from mother to baby at birth.
Risk groups: Unprotected sex, sharing needles, or exposure in healthcare settings.
Symptoms: Most asymptomatic but it can become chronic and damage the liver over time.
Treatment: Antiviral medications can manage the infection. Lifelong monitoring may be needed for chronic cases.
Prevention: A vaccine is available. Avoiding risky behaviours.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

How it spreads: Mainly through blood-to-blood contact. This includes sharing needles or receiving unscreened blood transfusion or through infected haemodialysis needles.
Often silent: Many people don't show symptoms until serious liver damage has occurred.
Symptoms: Tiredness, joint pain, poor appetite, and liver problems in advanced stages.
Treatment: New antiviral medications can now cure most cases of Hepatitis C.
Prevention: No vaccine yet. Preventing contact with infected blood is the key.

Hepatitis D (HDV)

How it spreads: It only affects people who already have Hepatitis B. It spreads through contact with infected blood.
Mostly asymptomatic but this can lead to faster and more serious liver disease than HBV alone.
Treatment: There is no specific treatment, but managing Hepatitis B helps prevent HDV.
Prevention: The Hepatitis B vaccine indirectly protects against HDV as well.

Hepatitis E (HEV)

How it spreads: Through drinking water contaminated with the virus. It is more common in developing countries.
Risk in pregnancy: This can be serious for pregnant women, especially in the third trimester.
Symptoms: Similar to Hepatitis A—fever, tiredness, and jaundice.
Treatment: Usually gets better on its own with rest and proper hydration.
Prevention: Safe drinking water, clean food, and good hygiene are essential.

Causes of Hepatitis

Apart from viruses, hepatitis can be caused by:

Excessive alcohol use
Certain medications or toxins
Autoimmune disorders, where the immune system attacks liver cells
Fatty liver disease, which can also lead to liver inflammation

Common Symptoms of Hepatitis

Many symptoms are shared across different types of hepatitis. These may include:

Tiredness or weakness
Loss of appetite
Fever
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Dark-colored urine
Abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting

Sometimes, people may not show any symptoms, especially in the early stages.

Who Is at Risk?

Some people have a higher risk of developing hepatitis, including:

People who inject drugs or share needles
Individuals who have unprotected sex with multiple partners
Healthcare workers exposed to blood
Infants born to infected mothers
People travelling to regions with poor sanitation
People who receive unscreened blood transfusions or organ transplants

How Is Hepatitis Diagnosed?

Doctors may use the following tests to diagnose hepatitis:

Blood tests to detect viral DNA / antibody
Liver function tests to see how well your liver is working
Ultrasound or imaging to look for signs of liver damage
Liver biopsy in certain cases to assess inflammation or scarring

Early detection can help prevent long-term damage.

Treatment Options for Hepatitis

Treatment depends on the type and severity of hepatitis:

Hepatitis A and E: Usually go away on their own with rest, hydration, and proper nutrition.
Hepatitis B: Long-term antiviral therapy may be required to prevent liver damage, in some cases.
Hepatitis C: It can often be cured with new antiviral medications.
Hepatitis D: Managed by controlling Hepatitis B. There's no specific cure yet.
Supportive care: Includes lifestyle changes, avoiding alcohol, and regular check-ups.

Prevention and Vaccination

Preventing hepatitis is better than treating it. Here's how you can stay protected:

Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B
Practice safe sex
Avoid sharing needles or personal items like razors or toothbrushes
Use clean drinking water and eat well-cooked food
Be careful with blood and body fluids, especially in medical settings
Wash hands regularly to reduce the risk of fecal-oral transmission

Conclusion

Staying informed about the types of hepatitis, how they spread, and how to prevent them is key to protecting your liver and overall health. If you are at risk, talk to your doctor about testing and vaccination options.