Types of Hepatitis and Mode of Transmission

Hepatitis A usually spreads when virus from infected stool reaches the mouth, often through contaminated food, water, hands or close contact. It does not normally become a long-term infection. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C can spread when infected blood enters another person's body; hepatitis B can also spread through sexual contact and from an infected parent to a baby around birth.

Symptoms can be absent, especially early. Feeling generally unwell, nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, abdominal discomfort or dark urine can occur, but these symptoms do not identify the virus on their own. Blood tests, including liver function tests and virus-specific tests, help clarify the cause.

Wash hands carefully after using the toilet and before preparing food, use safe food and water practices, and ask about hepatitis A vaccination when travel or exposure risk is relevant. Do not share needles, razors or toothbrushes, and use barrier protection where advised.

Arrange medical advice after a possible exposure, during pregnancy, or if symptoms suggest liver inflammation. Testing can identify infection even when you feel well and can guide advice for household or sexual contacts. Avoid alcohol until a clinician has reviewed possible liver inflammation.

Seek prompt care for yellowing of the skin or eyes, very dark urine, severe vomiting, worsening abdominal pain, unusual drowsiness or confusion. After a known exposure, contact a clinician quickly because preventive steps may be time-sensitive.

Ask which hepatitis tests are appropriate, whether close contacts need testing or vaccination, how to protect your liver while awaiting results, and whether follow-up is required.