What it is
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It can have several causes, including viruses (hepatitis A, B and C), alcohol, certain medicines, and other liver conditions. The liver helps process nutrients, filter the blood and break down medicines, so its health matters at every age.
Hepatitis A is generally an acute illness that is self-limited, meaning it often resolves on its own. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic infections that sometimes go unnoticed for many years because they may cause few or no symptoms early on.
Over a long time, chronic liver inflammation from any cause can lead to scarring called fibrosis, and in some people to advanced scarring known as cirrhosis. Older adults may learn about a past infection later in life, sometimes through routine bloodwork or a conversation with a clinician about their history.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Hepatitis is traditionally approached by first finding out what is causing it. This usually begins with a conversation about health history and simple blood tests that a licensed clinician orders and interprets. Imaging or other assessments of the liver may also be part of an evaluation.
Screening is a topic many clinicians discuss with older adults. Groups sometimes talked about as having higher exposure risk include people born in certain birth cohorts, people who received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992, people who have injected drugs, and people born in regions where hepatitis B or C is more common. Risk is a matter of history, not of blame, and whether screening makes sense is a decision to make with a clinician.
Modern medicine has made real progress here. Hepatitis C can often be treated and cleared with modern antiviral medication, and hepatitis B is effectively managed with antiviral therapy and monitoring for many people. Vaccines exist for hepatitis A and B, and whether they are appropriate is something to ask a licensed provider. Only a clinician can decide what is right after an evaluation.
How the right doctor may help
The right doctor may help by looking at the whole picture: your history, your current medicines, other conditions common in later life, and your liver tests. A provider who focuses on hepatitis in seniors or on liver health and cirrhosis may be familiar with how age can affect the way medicines and liver conditions are approached.
A visit generally includes questions about symptoms, past exposures, alcohol use, supplements and prescriptions, followed by blood work or other tests the clinician thinks are appropriate. Many people find it helpful to bring a written list of every medicine, vitamin and herbal product they take, and a family member or friend for support.
Useful questions to ask include: Which type of hepatitis or liver concern do I have, or could I have? Is screening or vaccination something I should discuss given my history? How will my liver be monitored over time? How do my other medicines interact with liver health? You can browse independent licensed professionals through Providers.plus.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect one another. Living with a long-term health concern, waiting on test results, or managing many appointments can bring worry, fatigue or low mood, and those feelings can in turn affect sleep, appetite and daily energy. Looking after the whole person is a normal part of caring for the liver.
Some people find body-based support such as Somatic Experiences helpful for working with stress held in the body, while others value talk therapy through Therapists.plus to process worries and build coping skills. These are complementary options that sit alongside, not in place of, the care of a licensed medical provider.
Keep in mind
- This page is educational only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan; licensed professionals should guide all care decisions.
- Only a licensed clinician can decide whether screening, vaccination or any medication is appropriate for you after an evaluation.
- Severe symptoms such as confusion, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or significant yellowing of the skin or eyes with fever need emergency care, so call 911.
- If you are in emotional distress or crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Doctors who often help
Get matched privatelyFrequently asked questions
Is hepatitis treatment different for seniors?
Hepatitis treatment is decided by a licensed clinician and may take age, other health conditions and current medicines into account. The type of hepatitis, the health of the liver and personal history all play a role. Ask a provider who has experience with hepatitis in older adults how these factors apply to you.
Should seniors be screened for hepatitis B and C?
Screening is a conversation to have with a licensed clinician, who can consider your history and risk factors. Some groups, such as certain birth cohorts and people who had a blood transfusion before 1992, are often discussed for screening. Many people with chronic hepatitis have no symptoms, which is one reason clinicians raise the topic.
Can hepatitis C be treated in older adults?
Hepatitis C can often be treated and cleared with modern antiviral medication, and age alone does not automatically rule out treatment. Whether a particular medicine is appropriate depends on an evaluation by a licensed clinician. Ask a provider what options may apply to you.
Is hepatitis B a lifelong condition?
Hepatitis B can become a chronic infection, but it is effectively managed with antiviral therapy and monitoring for many people. Not everyone needs medication, and a clinician decides this based on testing and evaluation. Regular follow-up is a common part of care.
What symptoms of liver trouble need urgent care?
Confusion, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or significant jaundice with fever need emergency care, so call 911. This website is not for emergencies. For milder or ongoing concerns such as fatigue or darker urine, contact a licensed provider.
How do I find a doctor for hepatitis or liver health?
You can start with your primary care clinician or search independent licensed professionals on Providers.plus, including those focused on hepatitis in seniors or liver health and cirrhosis. Bring a list of your medicines and supplements and any past test results to your first visit.
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.