Hepatitis: What you need to know

HOUSTON – Here are six things you need to know about hepatitis A, B and C, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What is hepatitis?

It’s the inflammation of the liver. The most common types are hepatitis A, B and C. 

What causes hepatitis?

Certain drugs, toxins, some diseases, abuse of alcohol, and bacterial and viral infections. 

What is the difference between the three types of hepatitis?

They have different modes of transmission and can affect the liver differently. Hepatitis A is not chronic and patients can improve without treatment. Hepatitis B and C can both cause long-term liver problems because the virus, in some people, remains in the body. 

How is Hepatitis C spread?

It’s usually spread when blood from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. 

What are the symptoms for hepatitis C?

Fever, fatigue, loss of weight, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, joint pain and jaundice. 

How is hepatitis C treated?

There are several medications available for treatment. People with chronic Hepatitis C should be monitored by their doctor.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 to 25 percent of the people who get it will clear the virus from their body without treatment.