Is Hepatitis Contagious?
How Do You Get Hepatitis A, B, and C?
Medically reviewed by Renee Nilan, MD
Hepatitis is swelling or inflammation of the liver, often caused by a viral infection. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, and C. Hepatitis D and E are also viral types.
These viruses are contagious, and how they are transmitted differs by the virus responsible. The infection may be short-term or chronic.
Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through food and water contaminated with stool from a person with the infection. Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids from a person with the infection.
Hepatitis symptoms vary by virus type and may include fever, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. The available treatment options depend on the type of hepatitis virus.
This article will examine the different types of hepatitis and their contagiousness, as well as the symptoms, treatment, and outlook.
Patricio Nahuelhual / Getty Images
Types of Hepatitis
The types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. They are spread through contaminated food, water, blood, or body fluids.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus. There were 11,500 infections in the United States in 2021. It is spread by ingesting contaminated food or water. It can also spread through contact with an infected person. The virus can last from weeks to months.
People who are at an increased risk for hepatitis A include those who:
Travel internationally
Use or inject drugs (including illegal drugs)
Are experiencing homelessness
Have close contact with a child who was adopted from another country
Men who have sex with men
Hepatitis A can be prevented with a vaccine. The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children aged 12 to 23 months. Children and teens aged 2 to 18 years who have never been vaccinated can receive the Hepatitis A vaccine. Your healthcare provider may recommend the hepatitis A vaccine if you are pregnant.
A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related concepts, but they are not the same. To accurately reflect our sources, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as they are used in the sources.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is caused by hepatitis B virus. In 2021, there were 13,300 new infections diagnosed in the United States. It is estimated that there are about 640,000 cases of chronic hepatitis B in the United States. Up to 2 out of 3 people with hepatitis B do not know that they have it.
This virus can cause a short-term, mild illness or may become chronic. Chronic hepatitis B infection is a leading cause of liver cancer, along with hepatitis C.
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. This can occur during sex, sharing needles or personal items, and direct contact with an open sore. It can be spread from the pregnant person to the child during childbirth as well. Hepatitis B is not transmitted through kissing or sharing eating utensils.
Hepatitis B may cause a short-term illness within six months of exposure. The illness can vary from very mild to severe. Hepatitis B can be prevented with the hepatitis B vaccine. It is recommended for all infants, children, and adults aged 19 to 59, as well as adults over 60 with certain risk factors.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by hepatitis C virus. There were about 69,800 new infections diagnosed in the United States in 2021. It is estimated that 40% of people with hepatitis C do not know that they are infected. Fortunately, hepatitis C can be cured.
Untreated hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer and the need for a liver transplant. The virus may cause a mild illness that lasts a few weeks or a serious, lifelong infection.
About half of adults who contract hepatitis C develop a chronic infection. About 5% to 25% of people with chronic hepatitis C develop cirrhosis (extensive liver scarring) over 10 to 20 years.
Hepatitis C is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids. This can occur during sex, sharing needles, tattoos or body piercings, childbirth, and blood transfusions or organ transplants that took place before 1992. Hepatitis C is not spread through kissing or sharing eating utensils.
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D, also known as delta hepatitis, is caused by the hepatitis D virus. Only people with hepatitis B can contract it, and this infection is uncommon in the United States.
Like hepatitis B and C, hepatitis D is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids. It can cause a short-term or long-term (chronic) illness. There is no vaccine for hepatitis D. Fortunately, the hepatitis B vaccine can lower your risk.
Hepatitis E
The hepatitis E virus causes hepatitis E. It is spread by ingesting food or water contaminated with an infected person’s stool.
Hepatitis E is uncommon in the United States and most often occurs in developing countries where people do not have access to clean drinking water. In the United States, it is possible to contract hepatitis E from undercooked pork, deer meat, and shellfish.
Fortunately, most people with hepatitis E recover fully. However, people with compromised immune systems may require treatment. No vaccine is available to protect against hepatitis E. If you are traveling internationally, you can lower your risk of hepatitis E by only drinking purified water.
Hepatitis Symptoms
Hepatitis is a serious liver infection and may cause several symptoms. Common symptoms of hepatitis include:
Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Clay-colored bowel movements
Joint pain
Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
People with an acute hepatitis infection may experience symptoms between two weeks and six months after acquiring the infection. A chronic infection may not cause symptoms for years. It is also possible to experience no symptoms at all.
The most common symptom of hepatitis A is jaundice. Young children often experience no symptoms.
Many people with hepatitis B do not have symptoms. People with hepatitis C may not experience symptoms. Common symptoms of hepatitis C include jaundice, no appetite, and stomach pain. Symptoms of chronic hepatitis C may include chronic fatigue and depression.
How Does Hepatitis Spread?
Viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis. Hepatitis A and E are transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water. This is known as the fecal-oral route.
Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through contact with blood or body fluids from a person with the infection. This route may include sex, sharing needles or personal items, and childbirth.
Type of Hepatitis | How It Spreads |
Hepatitis A | Oral-fecal route |
Hepatitis B | Blood & body fluids |
Hepatitis C | Blood & body fluids |
Hepatitis D | Blood & body fluids |
Hepatitis E | Oral-fecal route |
Learn More: How Hepatitis Is Transmitted
In addition to viruses, noninfectious causes of hepatitis (which are not contagious) include:
Heavy alcohol use (alcoholic hepatitis)
Toxic hepatitis caused by ingesting certain poisons, chemicals, medications, and supplements
Autoimmune hepatitis, a chronic type of hepatitis that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the liver
How Hepatitis Is Diagnosed
Several diagnostic tests are available when you and your healthcare provider suspect that you may have hepatitis. Your provider will start with a physical exam for jaundice and other signs.
They will also conduct a thorough medical history by asking about your symptoms, lifestyle factors, health history, and family history.
Diagnostic tests for hepatitis include:
Blood tests: Liver enzymes for liver function and hepatitis viral tests
Imaging studies: Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the liver and look for swelling
Liver biopsy: Collecting a small tissue sample and examining it in the lab to look for inflammation and signs of disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults be screened for hepatitis B and C at least once in their lifetimes. Other groups who may benefit from hepatitis screening include:
Pregnant people
Infants born to people who have hepatitis
People who use injectable drugs
People living in jail or prison
People experiencing homelessness
Men who have sex with men
People who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), any type of hepatitis, or sexually transmitted infections
Hepatitis Treatment
The medical treatments for hepatitis vary depending on the type of virus and whether the infection is acute or chronic.
People with hepatitis A and E usually recover without any lasting liver damage. It is possible to be ill for weeks to months and then recover. Treatment for hepatitis A and E usually includes supportive therapies like rest, fluids, and a nutritious diet.
People with hepatitis B and D also receive supportive therapies to relieve symptoms. People with chronic hepatitis B require treatment with antiviral drugs.
People who have hepatitis C usually receive antiviral medication for eight to 12 weeks. Starting the medication as soon as possible helps to reduce the amount of liver damage. It is important to avoid alcohol and certain medications when you have hepatitis.
What’s the Outlook for People With Hepatitis?
The outlook for a person with hepatitis depends on the type of virus contracted, the amount of liver damage, and their overall health. Treating hepatitis as soon as possible improves the prognosis and lowers the risk of liver damage and complications.
Treatment for hepatitis C can produce a sustained viral response (essentially a cure) in about 95% of those treated.
Possible complications of hepatitis include:
Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
Liver failure
Liver cancer
How to Prevent Hepatitis
Fortunately, many cases of hepatitis are preventable. Hepatitis A and B are preventable with vaccines.
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children aged 12 to 23 months and for older children who have not received the vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, children, and adults under age 60.
To lower the risk of hepatitis A and E, use good hygiene practices when preparing food. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before handling food. When traveling internationally, avoid any water that has not been purified.
To lower the risk of hepatitis B, C, and D, use a condom when having sex, especially with a new partner. Do not share needles or personal items like toothbrushes. If you have hepatitis and are pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about how you can prevent transmitting the virus to your child.
Summary
Hepatitis refers to swelling or inflammation in the liver. The most common cause of hepatitis is an infection. The viral types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The most common types in the United States are hepatitis A, B, and C.
Hepatitis A and E are transmitted by ingesting food or water contaminated with stool from a person with the infection. Hepatitis B, C, and D are spread through contact with blood or body fluids from a person with the infection. This can happen during sex, sharing needles, sharing personal items, and childbirth.
Possible symptoms of hepatitis include jaundice, abdominal pain, fever, and fatigue. Treatments usually include antiviral medications and supportive care, including rest, fluids, and good nutrition.
Hepatitis A and B are preventable with vaccines. It is possible to lower your risk of hepatitis by practicing good hygiene and safer sex, and avoiding contact with people who are ill.
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