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 autoimmune conditions. This page focuses on viral hepatitis in older adults.
Hepatitis A is generally acute and self-limited, meaning it usually runs its course rather than becoming long-term. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic infections, which means the virus may stay in the body for many years, sometimes with few or no noticeable symptoms.
Older adults may have been exposed long ago without knowing it. Groups that clinicians sometimes discuss as having higher likelihood of past exposure include people in certain birth cohorts, people who received blood transfusions before 1992, people who have injected drugs, and people born in regions where hepatitis B or C is more common. Having one of these backgrounds says nothing about a person's character; it is simply part of the health history a doctor may ask about.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Hepatitis has traditionally been identified through blood tests that a licensed clinician orders and interprets. Because chronic hepatitis B and C can be quiet, screening has long been a conversation between a person and their doctor, based on age, history and risk factors.
Vaccination has been a traditional way to help prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Whether a vaccine is appropriate for a particular older adult is a decision for a licensed clinician, who can consider health history, other conditions and prior vaccination.
For chronic infections, care has traditionally involved monitoring the liver over time. Hepatitis C can often be treated and cleared with modern antiviral medication, and hepatitis B is effectively managed with antiviral therapy and monitoring. Whether any medication is appropriate, and which one, is decided only by a licensed clinician after an evaluation. Older adults often take several medicines, so doctors typically review everything a person uses.
How the right doctor may help
The right doctor may help by listening to your history, reviewing your medicines and supplements, and discussing whether screening or vaccination makes sense for you. A primary care physician, or a specialist such as a hepatologist or gastroenterologist, may be involved. You can browse independent doctors through Providers.plus.
A visit generally includes questions about your health background, past procedures or transfusions, family history and alcohol use, and may include a physical exam and blood work if the clinician feels it is appropriate. Bringing a list of medicines and a trusted family member can make the visit easier.
Helpful questions to ask: Should I be screened for hepatitis B or C? Am I up to date on hepatitis vaccines? Could any of my current medicines affect my liver? What would monitoring look like for me? What symptoms should prompt me to call you? A good provider will explain things in plain language and welcome your questions.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect one another. Learning that you may have a long-term infection, or simply waiting on test results, can bring worry, and stress can influence sleep, appetite and energy, all of which matter for overall wellbeing in later life.
Some people find that body-based support such as Somatic Experiences helps them feel more settled, and others value talk therapy through Therapists.plus to work through health anxiety or life changes. These are supportive options that sit alongside, not in place of, care from a licensed medical provider.
Keep in mind
- This page is for education only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan; licensed professionals should guide all care decisions.
- Many people with chronic hepatitis B or C have no symptoms, so only a clinician's evaluation can tell what is going on.
- Seek emergency care by calling 911 for confusion, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or significant yellowing of the skin or eyes with fever. This site is not for emergencies.
- If you are in emotional crisis, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
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Frequently asked questions
Can seniors get hepatitis?
Yes, people of any age, including older adults, can have hepatitis. Some older adults have chronic hepatitis B or C from exposure many years ago and may not know it. A licensed clinician can discuss whether testing makes sense for you.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis in seniors?
Symptoms can include tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, but many people have no symptoms at all. These signs can also come from other conditions, so a doctor's evaluation is important. Severe symptoms such as confusion, vomiting blood or severe abdominal pain need emergency care at 911.
Is hepatitis treatment available for older adults?
Yes, hepatitis treatment is available, and age alone does not decide it. Hepatitis C can often be treated and cleared with modern antiviral medication, and hepatitis B is effectively managed with antiviral therapy and monitoring. Only a licensed clinician can decide what is appropriate after an evaluation.
Should seniors be screened for hepatitis B and C?
Screening is a conversation to have with a licensed clinician, who can consider your age, history and risk factors. Some older adults, such as those who received blood transfusions before 1992 or were born in regions where hepatitis is more common, are often discussed as groups to ask about. Asking is routine and carries no stigma.
Is there a hepatitis vaccine for older adults?
Vaccines exist for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, but there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Whether a vaccine is right for you depends on your health history and prior vaccination, so ask your provider. They can check what you may already be protected against.
Is hepatitis A serious in older adults?
Hepatitis A is generally acute and self-limited, but older adults can sometimes feel quite unwell and may need closer medical attention. Anyone with significant jaundice and fever, confusion or severe abdominal pain should call 911. A doctor can advise on care and prevention.
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.