Hepatitis is a common liver infection affecting millions worldwide, yet it is often misunderstood. Many people mistakenly believe it spreads through everyday social contact like sharing utensils, hugging, or kissing, or that it is a hereditary condition passed down through families. These myths can prevent timely diagnosis and treatment.
In recognition of World Hepatitis Day on July 28, Consultant Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist Dr Yiannis Kallis from Nuffield Health St Bartholomew’s Hospital sheds light on the truth about hepatitis and its different types.
“Viral hepatitis is a liver infection caused by viruses,” explains Dr Kallis. “There are five main types: hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Some cause short-term acute illness, while others lead to chronic infections that may result in serious complications like cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.”
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Hepatitis A and E spread via oral ingestion of contaminated food or water, similar to food poisoning or gastroenteritis, and are more common in developing countries. However, in the UK, these types are rarely acquired. By contrast, hepatitis B, C, and D are primarily blood-borne, transmitted through blood transfusions, shared needles, unsterilized medical equipment, or from mother to baby during childbirth. Hepatitis B and D can also be spread sexually.
Contrary to popular belief, these blood-borne types are very unlikely to spread through casual contact such as holding hands, sharing cutlery, or kissing, and sexual transmission of hepatitis C is uncommon.
A major challenge with chronic hepatitis B or C is that many infected individuals show no symptoms initially and are unaware they carry the virus. This is particularly true when transmission occurs at birth or during childhood. When symptoms do appear, they can include jaundice—a yellowing of the eyes and skin—accompanied by dark urine. If these symptoms develop, medical attention should be sought promptly.
Persistent abnormalities in liver blood tests may also signal chronic viral hepatitis and are sometimes discovered incidentally during health check-ups. Anyone with ongoing abnormal liver test results should consult their GP or a liver specialist for a thorough evaluation.
Hepatitis A and E usually cause only a temporary illness, with full recovery and virus clearance. On the other hand, chronic hepatitis B, C, and D can gradually lead to severe liver damage, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure. Notably, hepatitis D infection only occurs in individuals already infected with hepatitis B.
Preventative measures include maintaining good food hygiene and drinking clean water, especially when traveling in developing regions. Vaccines exist for hepatitis A and B, but none are currently available for hepatitis C, D, or E. Avoiding needle sharing and practicing safe sex by using condoms significantly reduce the transmission risk of blood-borne hepatitis viruses.
Fortunately, treatment options for hepatitis C have advanced tremendously, with highly effective oral medications offering cure rates over 90%. While there is no cure for hepatitis B, safe and effective long-term treatments are available through specialist liver clinics to control the infection and lower the risk of serious liver complications.
Raising awareness and understanding of hepatitis is vital to prevention, early detection, and management, helping reduce the global burden of this often misunderstood disease.