Hepatitis A, B, C

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis.

However, hepatitis is often caused by a virus. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are  hepatitis A ,  hepatitis B , and  hepatitis C .

How do they spread?

  • Hepatitis A
    • Hepatitis A is spread when a person ingests fecal matter—even in microscopic amounts—from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by feces or stool from an infected person.
  • Hepatitis B
    • Hepatitis B is primarily spread when blood, semen, or certain other body fluids- even in microscopic amounts – from a person infected with the hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. The hepatitis B virus can also be transmitted from:
      • Birth to an infected mother
      • Sex with an infected person
      • Sharing equipment that has been contaminated with blood from an infected person, such as needles, syringes, and even medical equipment, such as glucose monitors
      • Sharing personal items such as toothbrushes or razors
      • Poor infection control has resulted in outbreaks in health care facilities
  • Hepatitis C
    • Hepatitis C is spread when blood from a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus – even in microscopic amounts – enters the body of someone who is not infected. The hepatitis C virus can also be transmitted from:
      • Sharing equipment that has been contaminated with blood from an infected person, such as needles and syringes
      • Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992 (when widespread screening virtually eliminated hepatitis C from the blood supply)
      • Poor infection control has resulted in outbreaks in health care facilities
      • Birth to an infected mother

 

For more information about Hepatitis A, B, or C, view the CDC's website.

To be seen by a provider at the health center if you are experiencing symptoms, please call 479-575-4451 or schedule an appointment through the Patient Web Portal.