Viral hepatitis | womenshealth.gov

Viral hepatitis | womenshealth.gov

Viral hepatitis

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. In the United States, viral hepatitis is usually caused by the hepatitis A, B, or C virus. Different types of hepatitis are spread different ways, including having sex, sharing needles, or eating unclean food. Sometimes, viral hepatitis goes away on its own. In others, the virus is life long and can lead to serious health problems. Vaccines can prevent hepatitis A and B, but not C. There are medicines to treat and sometimes cure hepatitis B and C.