General Overview

Hepatitis is a liver infection caused by a virus. There are several types of hepatitis infections:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Hepatitis D
• Hepatitis E

InDepth

Find answers in our in-depth report on hepatitis:

• What is hepatitis?
• What are the risk factors?
• What are the symptoms?
• How is it diagnosed?
• How is it treated?
• What are the screening tests?
• How can I reduce my risk?
• What should I ask my healthcare provider about hepatitis?

Living With Hepatitis

Preventing Hepatitis

• Hepatitis A vaccine
• Hepatitis B vaccine

Special Topics

Medications and your liver

One of the primary functions of the liver is to aid in the metabolism of substances we ingest, including food, dietary supplements, alcohol, and medications. Some medications, however, can cause harm to the liver, particularly when taken in large doses or in combination with other drugs, dietary supplements, or alcohol. Read more here.

You can take several steps to reduce your risk of developing cirrhosis. Learn more here.

Special Topics (Continued)

Adult deaths each year are caused by illnesses that could have been avoided through appropriate immunizations. The three leading culprits are influenza, pneumonia, and hepatitis B. Read more here.

There is good evidence that razors, nail files, barber's scissors, tattoo needles, and body piercing instruments are risk factors for transmitting hepatitis B and C. Read more here.

In swimming pools, germs, such as Cryptosporidium , E Coli , Giardia , Shigella , and Hepatitis A are the most common causes of recreational water illnesses. Read more here.

Related Conditions

• Cirrhosis
• Immunization
• HIV/AIDS
• Jaundice
• Sexually transmitted diseases

Natural and Alternative Treatments (By Condition)

• Hepatitis, alcoholic
• Viral hepatitis