Hepatitis is a condition that results in inflammation and damage to the liver. Hepatitis is most commonly caused by viral infections, but can also be due to drugs use, toxins, diseases, alcohol abuse, bacterial infections, and food habits.

There are 4 types of Hepatitis; A, B, C & D

Hep A: Transferred by food and water (typically fecal contaminated)

Hep B: Transferred by blood and body fluids

Hep C: Transferred by blood and body fluids

Hep D: Occurs only the in the presence of Hep B

Among these, infections caused by Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C virus are most threatening because of the complexity of the disease and poor prognosis. Hep A and B have vaccines to prevent getting the disease. Hep A infections typically resolve with supportive management, while Hep B and C are often chronic.

All viral hepatitis present with similar clinical features initially such as flu like symptoms. However in chronic cases the infection can lasts for a longer period as the virus remains in the body. Long-term infections are related to complications such as liver damage.