Hepatitis
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Hepatitis A can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Hepatitis A is spread through contact with contaminated objects, food, or drinks. Vaccines are available for long-term prevention of HAV infection in persons 1 year of age and older. Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can also help prevent the spread of hepatitis A. To learn more about Hepatitis A please visit https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/index.htm
Hepatitis B is spread when blood, or other body fluid infected with the hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected and has not been vaccinated. Some people with hepatitis B are sick for only a few weeks (known as “acute” infection), but for others, the disease progresses to a serious, lifelong illness known as chronic hepatitis B. More information about Hepatitis B can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm#bFAQc01