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.
Key facts
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| Hepatitis A |
Hepatitis B |
Hepatitis C |
- Effective vaccine available
- Outbreaks still occur in the United States; currently there are are widespread person-to-person outbreaks
- Recent foodborne outbreaks in US traced to imported food
- Common in many countries, especially those without modern sanitation
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- Effective vaccine available
- About 2 in 3 people with hepatitis B do not know they are infected
- About 50% of people with hepatitis B in the U.S are Asian
- Hepatitis B is a leading cause of liver cancer
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- About 50% of people with hepatitis C do not know they are infected
- Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver transplants and liver cancer
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