Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, caused by infectious or toxic substances. The most common causes of hepatitis are hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis can also be caused by alcohol and drugs, as well as some bacteria, fungi and parasites.

All types of hepatitis have similar symptoms of nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness, dark or discolored urine, and a yellowing of the skin and eyes called jaundice.

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus and spread by contact with fecal material. This can happen by eating food that someone with hepatitis has been handling or by drinking water or milk that has been contaminated with sewage. Hepatitis B is also caused by a virus. It is carried in infected body fluids such as blood, semen or saliva and is usually spread through infected needles or sexual contact. Hepatitis C is usually spread by blood transfusions with infected blood. Hepatitis D is transmitted by blood and only affects people who have Hepatitis B. Type E is similar to type A and is passed along by contaminated food or water.

Though different types of hepatitis are spread in different ways, the best way to keep from getting hepatitis is through cleanliness. Always remember to wash your hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. Wash all fruits and vegetables that have been in soil that could contain animal manure. It is also important to be careful around items such as razors or needles that have been exposed to body fluids.

Treatment depends upon the cause. Viral hepatitis has no specific medical treatment. Bacterial hepatitis is treated with antibiotics. Drug, alcohol and toxic chemical hepatitis is treated by removing the toxins. Bed rest and small high calorie and protein meals are effective for all types of hepatitis.

Vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for those going to areas of high risk. Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for:
* health care workers,
* prisons employees,
* homeless shelter volunteers and employees,
* children, and
* others who are at high risk of exposure.

If you have been exposed to viral hepatitis, an immune booster may lower your chance of developing serious disease.

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