What are the 5 Types of Hepatitis You Should Know About

Hepatitis is a condition of the liver. In hepatitis, the liver gets inflamed which is also known as fatty liver disease, and the condition can be self-restricting or can grow to the scar of the liver, liver cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the common cause of hepatitis in the world, but infections other than hepatitis, toxic elements, and autoimmune conditions can also lead to hepatitis.

There are five main types of hepatitis viruses, known as types A, B, C, D, and E. The five types of hepatitis are of significant concern as they cause illness and death, leading to the potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread. Especially, types B and C can lead to chronic disease in many people; together, they are the most common reason for liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. 

The type of hepatitis caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or water is Hepatitis A and E. Hepatitis B, C, and D normally happen as a result of parenteral touch with infected body fluids. Typical modes of transmission for the hepatitis viruses include the reception of contaminated blood, invasive medical methods utilizing contaminated equipment. For hepatitis B, it gets transmitted from mother to the baby at birth, from family member to child, and also by intimate association.

Severe infection can happen with unnoticeable or no symptoms or can include indications such as jaundice, dark urine, extreme tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

What are the different types of hepatitis viruses?

Scientists have identified five different types of hepatitis viruses, determined by the letters A, B, C, D, and E. While all cause liver disease, they vary in significant ways.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV)

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is found in the feces of infected persons and is most often transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water or food. Even sex practices can spread HAV. Infections are mild, with many making a full recovery and remaining immune from further HAV infections. But, HAV infections can also be severe and life-threatening. Many people in regions of the world with poor hygiene have been infected with this virus. Reliable and effective vaccines are available to prevent HAV.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmits through exposure to infective blood, semen, and other body fluids. HBV can be spread from infected mothers to children at the time of birth or from family members to infants in early babyhood. Transmission can also happen through transfusions of HBV-contaminated blood, contaminated needles during medical procedures, and drug use. HBV is a risk to healthcare workers who sustain unintended needle stick punctures while caring for infected-HBV subjects. 

Symptoms of severe hepatitis B can include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice

 Hepatitis C virus (HCV)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmits through the exposure to infective blood. Hepatitis can occur through transfusions of HCV-contaminated blood, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and drug use. There is no vaccine for HCV.

Symptoms for acute hepatitis C can include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored stools
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) 

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections occur only in those with HBV infections. The dual infection of HDV and HBV can happen in more severe diseases and can lead to the worst outcomes. Hepatitis B vaccines defend from HDV infection.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV)

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is generally transmitted through drinking contaminated water or eating food. HEV is a common reason for hepatitis outbreaks in the world and is increasingly known as a significant cause of disease in developed countries. Reliable and effective vaccines to stop HEV infection have been developed, but these vaccines are not widely available.

So these are the different five types of hepatitis that affect people at a larger scale. It is a condition that needs attention, and the symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. If any type of hepatitis ignored, it could cause some severe health conditions which can hard to treat.

So make sure to consult a doctor if you feel like you are experiencing some symptoms related to hepatitis so that you can treat yourself before the condition gets worse.