The liver is an organ inside the human body that has a huge role to play. It is located in the upper right area of your abdomen where it produces biochemicals that assists in food digestion, produces hormones, regulates glucose storage levels and performs various other highly important functionalities that keeps the human body in its best shape. When this vital organ is attacked by the hepatitis virus, it starts failing and a series of health disorders prevail.
| What is hepatitis: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver |
Hepatitis has been affecting millions across the world. India comes 2nd in the list of Hepatitis-affected patients in the world . Approximately, 4.4 million Americans have chronic hepatitis B & C. Read on to know all types of existing hepatitis viruses and how
Some important facts about Hepatitis
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ALSO SEE: Symptoms and cure of Herpes Simplex Virus
| How many types of hepatitis viruses are there: 5; A, B, C, D, & E |
Researchers have figured out 5 unique hepatitis viruses that can cause liver inflammation. Identified by the letters A, B, C, D, and E. Here’s how they distinguish each other:
| Type | Description | Infection spread frequency | Treatment | Prevention through lifestyle changes |
| Hepatitis A
Virus (HAV) |
Causes an acute inflammation of the liver; doesn’t progresses to chronic liver disease | High; mostly transmitted through contaminated water of food | Almost always gets better on its own.
Hepatitis A vaccine and other treatments is also available |
Good hygiene, proper sewage treatment, using clean water |
| Hepatitis B virus
(HBV) |
Causes long-term liver infection that might lead to liver damage | High; transmitted through infected blood, semen, from infected mother to infants, and other bodily fluids | Vaccine and treatment is available | Abstaining from using injection drugs, safe sex practices |
| Hepatitis C
Virus (HCV) |
Long-term infection that can sometimes lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) | Medium; mostly transmitted through infected blood, contaminated injections, etc. | Vaccine not available, however, a series of drugs is used in various combinations to provide treatment | Abstaining from using injection drugs, safe sex practices |
| Hepatitis D Virus
(HDV) |
Superinfection with the hepatitis B virus | Less: mostly contracted through infected blood | Difficult to treat. Some drugs have proven effective but not on a permanent basis | Limiting the spread of B virus, following the same steps as for hepatitis B |
| Hepatitis E Virus
(HEV) |
A waterborne disease mainly found in areas with poor sanitation | High; mostly through contaminated water | Treatment is similar to hepatitis A | Similar to that of hepatitis A |
