What it is
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It can have many causes, including viruses, alcohol, certain medicines and other health conditions. The three most commonly discussed viral types are hepatitis A, B and C.
Hepatitis A is generally an acute, short-term illness that the body usually clears on its own. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic, meaning the virus stays in the body for a long time, sometimes without obvious symptoms. These differences are why the type of hepatitis matters so much.
Some people have a higher chance of exposure. Examples include people born in regions where hepatitis B or C is more common, people who received blood transfusions before 1992, people who have injected drugs, certain birth cohorts, and close contacts of someone with the virus. Risk is a matter of circumstances, not of character, and there is no shame in asking questions.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Hepatitis has traditionally been approached through prevention, testing and monitoring. Vaccines exist for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and whether either is appropriate for you is a conversation to have with a licensed clinician. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C.
After a possible exposure, clinicians have traditionally looked at the type of exposure, the person's vaccination history and blood test results. Some situations call for prompt attention, so reaching out to a clinician or urgent care soon after an exposure is generally encouraged.
For chronic infections, care has traditionally involved blood tests and ongoing monitoring. Hepatitis C can often be treated and cleared with modern antiviral medication, and hepatitis B can be effectively managed with antiviral therapy and monitoring. Whether any medicine is right for you is decided only by a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
How the right doctor may help
The right doctor, such as a hepatitis prevention and vaccination provider or a hepatitis A care provider, may help you make sense of your own situation. A visit generally starts with questions about your health history, possible exposures and any vaccines you have had before. A clinician may then talk with you about blood tests or screening.
Depending on what is found, a doctor may discuss vaccination, further testing, monitoring or, if appropriate, hepatitis treatment. Nothing is guaranteed, and each plan is individual. Many people find it reassuring to simply have a clear picture of where they stand.
Questions you might bring include: Which types of hepatitis should I be screened for? Am I a candidate for vaccination? How soon should I act after a possible exposure? What symptoms should prompt me to call you? Should anyone I live with be tested too? Writing your questions down beforehand can help the visit feel less rushed.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Worry about a possible exposure can disrupt sleep, appetite and mood, and physical health concerns can in turn feel heavier when you are under stress. Looking after rest, nourishing food and supportive relationships is a sensible part of caring for yourself alongside medical guidance.
Some people find body-based support, such as the approaches offered by Somatic Experiences, helpful for easing tension while they wait on results. Others prefer to talk things through with a counselor, and Therapists.plus can help you find talk therapy. Every approach has value, and you can choose what feels right for you.
Keep in mind
- Licensed professionals should guide all decisions about testing, vaccination and hepatitis treatment; this page is educational and not medical advice.
- If you have confusion, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or significant yellowing of the skin or eyes with fever, call 911 or go to emergency care right away.
- If you are in emotional distress or crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- If you may have been exposed recently, contact a licensed clinician promptly rather than waiting, since timing can matter for some situations.
Doctors who often help
Get matched privatelyFrequently asked questions
Is there a vaccine for hepatitis?
Yes, vaccines are available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, but there is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. Whether a vaccine is appropriate for you is something to discuss with a licensed clinician, who can review your history and risk factors.
What should I do if I was recently exposed to hepatitis?
Contact a licensed clinician or urgent care soon, because timing can matter after some exposures. They can ask about the type of exposure and your vaccination history and decide which steps, if any, are appropriate. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Who is considered at higher risk for hepatitis?
Higher-risk groups can include people born in regions where hepatitis B or C is more common, people who received a blood transfusion before 1992, people who have injected drugs, certain birth cohorts and close contacts of someone with hepatitis. Risk describes circumstances, not blame. A clinician can talk with you about screening that fits your situation.
Can hepatitis treatment cure hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C can often be treated and cleared with modern antiviral medication. Whether treatment is right for you is decided by a licensed clinician after an evaluation and testing, so it is worth asking a provider about it.
Does hepatitis B need treatment?
Not everyone with hepatitis B needs medicine right away. Hepatitis B can be effectively managed with antiviral therapy and regular monitoring when a clinician decides it is appropriate. A provider can explain what applies to you.
Does hepatitis A go away on its own?
Hepatitis A is generally an acute, self-limited illness, and most people recover without lasting infection. Even so, a clinician can confirm the diagnosis, advise on rest and hydration, and tell you what to watch for. Seek emergency care for severe symptoms such as confusion or severe abdominal pain.
Educational resource. Hep Programs shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.