What should you know about different hepatitis abc?

Hepatitis A commonly spreads through contaminated food or water and usually causes a short-term illness. Hepatitis B can spread through infected blood or body fluids and may become long-lasting. Hepatitis C is mainly linked with blood exposure and can also persist without obvious symptoms. Feeling generally unwell, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, yellowing of the skin or dark urine can occur, but symptoms alone cannot identify the type.

A blood test is needed to clarify whether infection is present and which virus is involved. Liver tests show how the liver is responding, while specific viral tests answer different questions.

Arrange medical review if hepatitis is suspected or you have had a relevant exposure. Your clinician may recommend a liver function test and virus-specific blood tests. Avoid sharing razors or toothbrushes, and do not donate blood until a clinician advises that it is safe. Alcohol and medicines can affect the liver, so discuss regular and non-prescription products before taking them.

Hepatitis A vaccination can help prevent hepatitis A for people who meet clinical or travel-related indications. Hepatitis B also has vaccination options, while hepatitis C prevention relies on avoiding blood exposure because there is no routine vaccine for it.

Seek urgent medical care for confusion, marked sleepiness, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, rapidly worsening yellow skin or eyes, or inability to keep fluids down. Dark urine with jaundice or a sudden decline in how you feel also warrants prompt assessment. Tell the clinician about recent travel, food exposure, medicines and any blood or body-fluid exposure.

Ask which hepatitis tests are needed, whether you need repeat liver monitoring, how to protect household or sexual contacts, whether vaccination is suitable, and which medicines or activities should be paused while results are reviewed.