What it is
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Several viruses can cause it, including hepatitis A, B, and C. Hepatitis A is generally an acute illness that is self-limited, while hepatitis B and C can become chronic infections in some people.
Prevention and vaccination is the area of care focused on lowering the chance of infection before it happens. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, so prevention there centers on awareness and screening conversations with a clinician.
This area also includes pre-exposure counseling, which means talking through your situation before travel, work, or other circumstances that may raise risk, and post-exposure guidance, which means getting prompt professional advice after a possible exposure.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Vaccination has long been a central way of approaching hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Clinicians commonly review a person's vaccination history, age, health conditions, occupation, and travel plans to talk about whether vaccination makes sense for them.
Pre-exposure counseling has traditionally been part of travel health visits and workplace health programs. Topics often include where and how hepatitis A and B are spread, food and water precautions, and other everyday risk factors. Higher-risk groups are discussed factually and without stigma, such as people traveling to regions where these viruses are more common, health care and some other workers, and people with certain medical conditions.
After a possible exposure, such as a needlestick or contact with someone who has a hepatitis infection, people have traditionally been advised to contact a clinician promptly. The clinician decides what steps, if any, are appropriate after evaluating the situation. Timing can matter, so it is worth calling a provider quickly rather than waiting.
How the right doctor may help
A licensed doctor or other clinician may help you sort out what you already know and what you don't. A visit often starts with questions about your vaccination records, health history, work, and travel plans. If records are missing, the clinician may talk with you about options, which can include blood testing to see whether you have immunity or past infection.
If vaccination is discussed, only the clinician decides what is appropriate for you after an evaluation. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are FDA-approved, and a provider can explain how they are typically given, what side effects are possible, and whether anything about your health changes the conversation. This page does not provide schedules or dosing.
Helpful questions to bring: Am I considered at risk based on my work, health, or travel? Do I need to check my records or have testing first? How far ahead of a trip should I come in? What should I do if I think I was exposed? Should hepatitis C screening be part of our conversation? Many people also use Providers.plus to find licensed providers.
The whole-person view
Body, mind, and stress affect each other. Worry about an upcoming trip, a workplace exposure, or the unknown can show up as tension, poor sleep, or a racing mind, and those can in turn affect how well we take care of ourselves. Preparing and getting clear information is often calming in itself.
If anxiety about health or exposure feels heavy, body-based support such as Somatic Experiences may help some people feel more settled in their bodies, and talk therapy through Therapists.plus may help others work through worry. These are complementary supports and do not replace care from a licensed medical provider.
Keep in mind
- This page is educational only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan; a licensed clinician should guide all decisions about vaccination, testing, and care.
- If you think you were recently exposed to hepatitis, contact a licensed provider promptly, since timing may matter.
- Severe symptoms such as confusion, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or significant jaundice with fever are emergencies: call 911. This site is not for emergencies.
- If you are in emotional crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
Doctors
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a vaccine for hepatitis A and hepatitis B?
Yes, FDA-approved vaccines exist for both hepatitis A and hepatitis B. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. A licensed clinician can tell you whether vaccination is appropriate for you after reviewing your history.
What if I have never been vaccinated for hepatitis A or B?
A clinician can usually help you figure out your next steps, and it is common to start by reviewing records and health history. Depending on your situation, the provider may discuss testing or vaccination. It is generally not too late to ask the question.
Should I talk to a doctor about hepatitis before international travel?
Yes, a pre-travel visit is a good time to discuss hepatitis A and B, since risk can vary by destination, length of stay, and activities. A clinician can explain what may be appropriate for you. It is often helpful to schedule the visit well before departure.
What should I do after a possible hepatitis exposure?
Contact a licensed provider or urgent medical service promptly, because timing can matter for post-exposure guidance. The clinician will evaluate what happened and decide what steps, if any, make sense. Do not wait to see if symptoms appear.
Is hepatitis treatment different from prevention?
Yes. Hepatitis treatment generally refers to care for someone who already has an infection, while prevention focuses on lowering the chance of getting one. Hepatitis C can often be treated and cleared with modern antiviral medication, and hepatitis B is effectively managed with antiviral therapy and monitoring, but a clinician decides what fits each person.
Who is considered at higher risk for hepatitis?
Risk depends on the virus and may include travelers to regions where hepatitis A or B is more common, some health care and other workers, people who have injected drugs, people who received blood transfusions before 1992, and certain birth cohorts for hepatitis C. Being in one of these groups says nothing about a person's character. A clinician can talk with you about whether screening or vaccination fits your situation.
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.