What are the main types of viral hepatitis. How is hepatitis transmitted and what are its symptoms. What preventive measures can be taken against hepatitis. How is viral hepatitis diagnosed and treated.

Understanding Viral Hepatitis: A Comprehensive Overview

Hepatitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections. While some forms of hepatitis can resolve on their own, others can lead to chronic conditions with severe consequences. This article explores the various types of viral hepatitis, their symptoms, transmission methods, and preventive measures.

The Five Major Types of Viral Hepatitis

There are five main types of viral hepatitis, each caused by a different virus:

• Hepatitis A (HAV)
• Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Hepatitis C (HCV)
• Hepatitis D (HDV)
• Hepatitis E (HEV)

Each type has unique characteristics in terms of transmission, progression, and treatment options.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Hepatitis

Hepatitis can manifest with a range of symptoms, some of which may be subtle or nonexistent in the early stages. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Fever and muscle aches
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine and pale stools
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

Are these symptoms always present in hepatitis cases? Not necessarily. Some individuals, especially those with acute hepatitis, may experience no symptoms at all, making regular check-ups crucial for early detection.

Transmission Routes: How Viral Hepatitis Spreads

Understanding how hepatitis viruses spread is key to prevention. The transmission routes vary depending on the type of virus:

Hepatitis A and E

These are primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated food or water. Poor sanitation in some regions contributes to their spread.

Hepatitis B, C, and D

These viruses are blood-borne and can be transmitted through:

• Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia
• Unprotected sexual contact
• Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth
• Unsafe medical procedures or transfusions

Can hepatitis be transmitted through casual contact? Generally, no. Everyday interactions like hugging, sharing meals, or shaking hands do not spread these viruses.

Prevention Strategies: Safeguarding Against Viral Hepatitis

Preventing hepatitis involves a combination of personal hygiene, safe practices, and vaccination where available. Key prevention strategies include:

1. Vaccination: Available for Hepatitis A and B
2. Practicing safe sex and using protection
3. Avoiding sharing needles or personal items like razors
4. Ensuring safe blood transfusions and medical procedures
5. Maintaining good hygiene, especially in food preparation

Is vaccination effective against all types of hepatitis? While highly effective vaccines exist for Hepatitis A and B, there is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C, D, or E. For these types, prevention focuses on reducing exposure risks.

Diagnosis and Testing: Identifying Viral Hepatitis

Early diagnosis of hepatitis is crucial for effective management and prevention of complications. Diagnostic methods include:

• Blood tests to detect virus-specific antibodies or antigens
• Liver function tests to assess liver damage
• Imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans
• Liver biopsy in some cases

How often should individuals get tested for hepatitis? The frequency of testing depends on individual risk factors. Those in high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers or individuals with multiple sexual partners, may need more frequent testing.

Treatment Options: Managing Viral Hepatitis

Treatment for viral hepatitis varies depending on the type and severity of the infection:

Hepatitis A and E

These typically resolve on their own. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and ensuring proper nutrition and hydration.

Hepatitis B

Chronic cases may be treated with antiviral medications. In severe cases, liver transplantation might be necessary.

Hepatitis C

Modern antiviral drugs have revolutionized Hepatitis C treatment, with cure rates exceeding 95% in many cases.

Hepatitis D

Treatment is challenging and may involve a combination of therapies used for Hepatitis B, as HDV requires HBV to replicate.

Can hepatitis be cured completely? While Hepatitis A and E typically resolve without specific treatment, chronic forms of Hepatitis B and C can be effectively managed with modern therapies. Hepatitis C, in particular, has high cure rates with current treatments.

Global Impact: The Burden of Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis remains a significant global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization:

• Approximately 354 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis B or C
• Viral hepatitis causes 1.1 million deaths annually
• Hepatitis B affects about 296 million people globally
• An estimated 58 million people have chronic Hepatitis C infection

These statistics underscore the importance of awareness, prevention, and access to treatment. How can we reduce the global burden of hepatitis? Strategies include expanding vaccination programs, improving access to testing and treatment, and enhancing public education about prevention methods.

Special Considerations: Hepatitis in High-Risk Groups

Certain populations are at higher risk for contracting and experiencing complications from viral hepatitis:

Healthcare Workers

Due to potential exposure to blood and bodily fluids, healthcare workers are at increased risk, particularly for Hepatitis B and C. Strict adherence to universal precautions and vaccination (for Hepatitis B) are crucial.

Injection Drug Users

This group is at high risk for Hepatitis B and C due to needle sharing. Harm reduction strategies, including needle exchange programs and opioid substitution therapy, can help reduce transmission rates.

Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)

MSM are at higher risk for Hepatitis A and B. Vaccination and safe sex practices are key preventive measures.

Pregnant Women

Screening for Hepatitis B is crucial in pregnancy to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Infants born to HBV-positive mothers should receive Hepatitis B immune globulin and vaccination at birth.

How can we better protect these high-risk groups? Targeted education campaigns, expanded access to testing and vaccination, and tailored prevention strategies are essential components of a comprehensive approach.

Emerging Research and Future Prospects in Hepatitis Management

The field of hepatitis research is dynamic, with ongoing efforts to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment:

Vaccine Development

Researchers are working on developing vaccines for Hepatitis C and E, which could significantly reduce the global burden of these diseases.

Novel Therapies

New antiviral drugs and treatment approaches are being investigated, particularly for difficult-to-treat cases of chronic hepatitis.

Improved Diagnostic Tools

Development of more accurate, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic tests could enhance early detection and treatment initiation.

Liver Regeneration Research

Studies into liver regeneration and stem cell therapies offer hope for repairing liver damage caused by chronic hepatitis.

What potential breakthroughs can we expect in hepatitis management? While it’s difficult to predict specific outcomes, the rapid pace of research suggests that we may see significant advancements in prevention, treatment, and possibly even cures for all forms of viral hepatitis in the coming decades.

Living with Hepatitis: Coping Strategies and Quality of Life

For individuals diagnosed with chronic hepatitis, managing the condition involves more than just medical treatment. It requires a holistic approach to maintain overall health and well-being:

Lifestyle Modifications

• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
• Maintaining a balanced, liver-friendly diet
• Regular exercise to support overall health
• Adequate rest and stress management

Regular Monitoring

Frequent check-ups and liver function tests are crucial for tracking disease progression and adjusting treatment plans.

Emotional Support

Living with chronic hepatitis can be emotionally challenging. Support groups, counseling, and open communication with healthcare providers can help manage the psychological aspects of the disease.

Education and Awareness

Staying informed about the latest developments in hepatitis management empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care.

How can individuals with hepatitis maintain a good quality of life? By adhering to treatment regimens, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and seeking comprehensive care that addresses both physical and emotional needs, many people with chronic hepatitis can lead fulfilling lives.

The Role of Public Health Initiatives in Combating Hepatitis

Public health efforts play a crucial role in reducing the impact of viral hepatitis globally. Key initiatives include:

Awareness Campaigns

Public education programs help dispel myths, reduce stigma, and promote prevention and testing.

Vaccination Programs

Expanding access to Hepatitis A and B vaccines, particularly in high-risk areas and populations.

Screening Initiatives

Implementing widespread screening programs to identify undiagnosed cases and link patients to care.

Harm Reduction Strategies

Needle exchange programs, safe injection sites, and opioid substitution therapy help reduce transmission among injection drug users.

Global Collaboration

International efforts to share research, resources, and best practices in hepatitis prevention and treatment.

How effective are these public health initiatives in controlling hepatitis? While challenges remain, coordinated public health efforts have shown significant success in reducing hepatitis transmission rates and improving outcomes for affected individuals in many regions.

Hepatitis and Co-infections: Understanding Complex Cases

Viral hepatitis can often occur alongside other infections, complicating diagnosis and treatment:

HIV and Hepatitis

Co-infection with HIV is common, particularly in Hepatitis B and C cases. This combination can accelerate liver disease progression and requires carefully coordinated treatment approaches.

Multiple Hepatitis Infections

It’s possible to be infected with more than one type of hepatitis virus simultaneously. For example, Hepatitis D only occurs in individuals already infected with Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis and Tuberculosis

In some regions, co-infection with tuberculosis is a concern, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.

How do co-infections impact hepatitis management? Co-infections can complicate treatment, potentially leading to more severe liver disease and requiring specialized care. Comprehensive testing and tailored treatment plans are essential for managing these complex cases effectively.

Economic Impact of Viral Hepatitis: A Global Perspective

The economic burden of viral hepatitis extends beyond individual healthcare costs, affecting entire communities and national economies:

Direct Healthcare Costs

Treatment for chronic hepatitis, especially advanced liver disease, can be expensive, straining healthcare systems.

Lost Productivity

Chronic illness can lead to reduced workforce participation and productivity losses.

Social Costs

The impact on families and caregivers, including lost wages and reduced quality of life, contributes to the overall societal burden.

Economic Disparities

The burden of hepatitis often falls disproportionately on lower-income countries and marginalized populations, exacerbating existing economic inequalities.

Can investing in hepatitis prevention and treatment be cost-effective? Studies have shown that comprehensive hepatitis programs, including vaccination, testing, and treatment, can be highly cost-effective in the long term, reducing the overall economic burden of the disease.

Hepatitis in Special Populations: Tailoring Approaches

Certain populations require specific considerations in hepatitis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment:

Children and Adolescents

Pediatric hepatitis cases may present differently and require age-appropriate treatment approaches. Vaccination programs targeting children are crucial for long-term prevention.

Elderly Individuals

Older adults may have more severe disease progression and require careful monitoring of medication interactions.

Immunocompromised Patients

Those with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients or individuals undergoing chemotherapy, may experience more rapid disease progression and require specialized management.

Migrants and Refugees

These populations may have higher rates of chronic hepatitis due to limited access to healthcare in their countries of origin. Targeted screening and treatment programs are essential.

How can healthcare systems better address the needs of these special populations? Developing tailored screening protocols, treatment guidelines, and support services that consider the unique challenges faced by these groups is crucial for comprehensive hepatitis management.

The Future of Hepatitis Control: Towards Global Elimination

The World Health Organization has set ambitious targets for eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Achieving this goal requires concerted efforts on multiple fronts:

Expanded Access to Treatment

Making antiviral medications more affordable and accessible, particularly in low and middle-income countries.

Universal Vaccination

Increasing global coverage of Hepatitis B vaccination, including birth dose administration.

Improved Diagnostics

Developing and implementing more efficient, cost-effective testing methods to identify undiagnosed cases.

Integrated Health Services

Incorporating hepatitis screening and treatment into existing healthcare programs, such as HIV services and maternal health care.

Sustainable Funding

Securing long-term financial commitments from governments and international organizations to support hepatitis elimination efforts.

Is global elimination of viral hepatitis achievable? While challenging, experts believe that with sustained commitment, innovative approaches, and global cooperation, significant progress towards elimination is possible. However, it requires overcoming barriers such as limited resources, stigma, and lack of awareness in many regions.

As we continue to advance our understanding of viral hepatitis and develop new strategies for prevention and treatment, the prospect of reducing its global impact becomes increasingly feasible. By combining medical innovations with comprehensive public health approaches and addressing the unique needs of diverse populations, we can work towards a future where hepatitis no longer poses a significant threat to global health.

Hepatitis – NHS

Hepatitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the liver. It’s usually the result of a viral infection or liver damage caused by drinking alcohol.

There are several different types of hepatitis. Some types will pass without any serious problems, while others can be long-lasting (chronic) and cause scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), loss of liver function and, in some cases, liver cancer.

Symptoms of hepatitis

Short-term (acute) hepatitis often has no noticeable symptoms, so you may not realise you have it.

If symptoms do develop, they can include:

• muscle and joint pain
• a high temperature
• feeling and being sick
• feeling unusually tired all the time
• a general sense of feeling unwell
• loss of appetite
• tummy pain
• dark urine
• pale, grey-coloured poo
• itchy skin
• yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)

See your GP if you have any persistent or troublesome symptoms that you think could be caused by hepatitis.

Long-term (chronic) hepatitis also may not have any obvious symptoms until the liver stops working properly (liver failure) and may only be picked up during blood tests.

In the later stages it can cause jaundice, swelling in the legs, ankles and feet, confusion, and blood in your stools or vomit.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus. It’s usually caught by consuming food and drink contaminated with the poo of an infected person, and is most common in countries where sanitation is poor.

Hepatitis A usually passes within a few months, although it can occasionally be severe and even life threatening.

There’s no specific treatment for it, other than to relieve symptoms like pain, nausea and itching.

Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended if:

• you’re at high risk of infection or severe consequences of infection
• you’re travelling to an area where the virus is common, such as the Indian subcontinent, Africa, Central and South America, the Far East and eastern Europe.

Find out more about hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus, which is spread in the blood of an infected person.

It’s a common infection worldwide and is usually spread from infected pregnant women to their babies, or from child-to-child contact.

It can also be spread through unprotected sex and injecting drugs.

Hepatitis B is uncommon in the UK. It most commonly affects people who became infected while growing up in part of the world where the infection is more common, such as southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Most adults infected with hepatitis B are able to fight off the virus and fully recover from the infection within a couple of months.

But most people infected as children develop a long-term infection. This is known as chronic hepatitis B, and can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Antiviral medicine can be used to treat it.

In the UK, vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended for people in high-risk groups, such as:

• healthcare workers
• people who inject drugs
• men who have sex with men
• children born to mothers with hepatitis B
• people travelling to parts of the world where the infection is more common

Hepatitis B vaccination is also part of the routine immunisation programme so all children can benefit from protection from this virus.

Find out more about hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus.

It’s usually spread through blood-to-blood contact with an infected person.

In the UK, it’s most commonly spread through sharing needles used to inject drugs.

Poor healthcare practices and unsafe medical injections are the main way it’s spread outside the UK.

Hepatitis C often causes no noticeable symptoms, or only flu-like symptoms, so many people are unaware they’re infected.

Some people will fight off the infection and be free of the virus. In other cases, it’ll stay in the body for many years.

This is known as chronic hepatitis C and can cause cirrhosis and liver failure.

Chronic hepatitis C can be treated with very effective antiviral medicines, but there’s currently no vaccine available.

Find out more about hepatitis C

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus. It only affects people who are already infected with hepatitis B, as it needs the hepatitis B virus to be able to survive in the body.

Hepatitis D is usually spread through blood-to-blood contact or sexual contact. It’s uncommon in the UK, but is more widespread in other parts of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America.

Long-term infection with hepatitis D and hepatitis B can increase your risk of developing serious problems, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

There’s no vaccine specifically for hepatitis D, but the hepatitis B vaccine can help protect you from it.

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus. The number of cases in Europe has increased in recent years and it’s now the most common cause of short-term (acute) hepatitis in the UK.

The virus has been mainly associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat or offal, but also with wild boar meat, venison and shellfish.  

Hepatitis E is generally a mild and short-term infection that does not require any treatment, but it can be serious in some people, such as those who have a weakened immune system.

There’s no vaccine for hepatitis E. When travelling to parts of the world with poor sanitation, where epidemic hepatitis E may be common, you can reduce your risk by practising good food and water hygiene measures.

The British Liver Trust has more information about hepatitis E

Alcoholic hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis is a type of hepatitis caused by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over many years.

The condition is common in the UK and many people do not realise they have it.

This is because it does not usually cause any symptoms, although it can cause sudden jaundice and liver failure in some people.

Stopping drinking will usually allow your liver to recover, but there’s a risk you could eventually develop cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer if you continue to drink alcohol excessively.

You can reduce your risk of developing alcoholic hepatitis by controlling how much you drink.

It’s recommended that you do not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week.

Read more about alcohol-related liver disease and the health risks associated with alcohol.

Autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare cause of long-term hepatitis where the immune system attacks and damages the liver.

Eventually, the liver can become so damaged that it stops working properly.

Treatment for autoimmune hepatitis involves very effective medicines that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.

It’s not clear what causes autoimmune hepatitis and it’s not known whether anything can be done to prevent it.

The British Liver Trust has more information about autoimmune hepatitis

Page last reviewed: 23 August 2022
Next review due: 23 August 2025

Hepatitis

Hepatitis

• All topics »
• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z
• Resources »
  • Fact sheets
  • Facts in pictures
  • Multimedia
  • Publications
  • Questions & answers
  • Tools and toolkits
• Popular »
  • Air pollution
  • Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
  • Hepatitis
  • Monkeypox
• All countries »
• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z
• Regions »
  • Africa
  • Americas
  • South-East Asia
  • Europe
  • Eastern Mediterranean
  • Western Pacific
• WHO in countries »
  • Statistics
  • Cooperation strategies
  • Ukraine emergency
• All news »
  • News releases
  • Statements
  • Campaigns
  • Commentaries
  • Events
  • Feature stories
  • Speeches
  • Spotlights
  • Newsletters
  • Photo library
  • Media distribution list
• Headlines »
• Focus on »
  • Afghanistan crisis
  • COVID-19 pandemic
  • Northern Ethiopia crisis
  • Syria crisis
  • Ukraine emergency
  • Monkeypox outbreak
  • Greater Horn of Africa crisis
• Latest »
  • Disease Outbreak News
  • Travel advice
  • Situation reports
  • Weekly Epidemiological Record
• WHO in emergencies »
  • Surveillance
  • Research
  • Funding
  • Partners
  • Operations
  • Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee
  • WHO’s Health Emergency Appeal 2023
• Data at WHO »
  • Global Health Estimates
  • Health SDGs
  • Mortality Database
  • Data collections
• Dashboards »
  • COVID-19 Dashboard
  • Triple Billion Dashboard
  • Health Inequality Monitor
• Highlights »
  • Global Health Observatory
  • SCORE
  • Insights and visualizations
  • Data collection tools
• Reports »
  • World Health Statistics 2022
  • COVID excess deaths
  • DDI IN FOCUS: 2022
• About WHO »
  • People
  • Teams
  • Structure
  • Partnerships and collaboration
  • Collaborating centres
  • Networks, committees and advisory groups
  • Transformation
• Our Work »
  • General Programme of Work
  • WHO Academy
  • Activities
  • Initiatives
• Funding »
  • Investment case
  • WHO Foundation
• Accountability »
  • Audit
  • Programme Budget
  • Financial statements
  • Programme Budget Portal
  • Results Report
• Governance »
  • World Health Assembly
  • Executive Board
  • Election of Director-General
  • Governing Bodies website
  • Member States Portal
• Home/
• Health topics/
• Hepatitis

WHO / TM

©
Credits

Fact sheets

Questions and answers

• What is hepatitis?
• Severe acute hepatitis of unknown cause in children
• Hepatitis B: How can I protect myself?

Guidelines

• Guidelines on hepatitis

Databases and tools

Disease outbreak news

Resolutions and decisions

Technical work

• Global Hepatitis Programme

Publications

All →

Key populations (men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, sex workers, trans and gender diverse people and people in prisons) are at increased. ..

In 2022, WHO published the Consolidated guidelines on HIV, viral hepatitis and STI prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for key populations….

In 2022, WHO published the Consolidated guidelines on HIV, viral hepatitis and STI prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for key populations. These…

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem and cause of chronic liver disease that leads to approximately 399 000 deaths annually….

Videos

All →

10 May 2023

WHO guidelines for key populations: what is new and what is important

27 July 2022

Bringing hepatitis care closer to communities

21 July 2021

Hepatitis can’t wait

21 July 2021

World Hepatitis Day 2021- WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Feature stories

All →

Related topics

Why is hepatitis dangerous?

07/28/2021




This is an inflammatory disease that destroys liver cells and interferes with its functioning.

The liver is the largest organ in the body, weighing about 1.3 kg. It consists of four lobes of different sizes and shapes and is located in the abdominal cavity on the right below the diaphragm.

The human liver has many functions:

– Detoxification – filtering harmful substances from the blood, such as alcohol.

– Accumulation and preservation of useful substances. For example, vitamins A, D, K and B12.

– Synthesis of amino acids – the “building blocks” of proteins.

– Production of digestive enzymes – bile.

— Maintaining an optimal level of sugar in the blood.

– Production of 80 percent of cholesterol in the body.

– Storage of glycogen and conversion of glucose to glycogen.

– Production of hormones.

How does hepatitis affect the liver?

Hepatitis can cause liver dysfunction, cirrhosis and oncological diseases of this organ.

The most common forms of hepatitis are A, B and C. The first form is transmitted through food and water, hepatitis B is mainly sexually transmitted, and C is transmitted through the blood.

Is hepatitis always caused by an infection?

Not all forms of hepatitis are infectious. Alcohol, drugs, certain chemicals, and medications can cause liver inflammation. Metabolic disorders or obesity can also lead to inflammatory processes.

How to protect yourself?

It is important to avoid contact with other people’s body fluids, especially blood.


• Do not forget about the basic rules of personal hygiene – use only your own toothbrush, razor and manicure accessories.
• Always wash your hands after using the toilet and public places, and before every meal. When visiting cosmetic elephants (tattoo, piercing studios), you need to ensure that only disposable sterile instruments are used.

The best protection against viral hepatitis is vaccination

In Russia, vaccination is carried out against hepatitis A and B. Children over 3 years of age who live in areas with a high incidence of this infection and workers in certain specialties are vaccinated against hepatitis A. Persons traveling to countries unfavorable for viral hepatitis A are advised to get vaccinated in advance.

Vaccination against hepatitis B begins already in the hospital. Given the urgency of the problem, the entire adult population under 55 years of age should be vaccinated. The hepatitis B vaccine also protects against hepatitis D. The protective effect of the vaccine lasts for years.

For all questions related to vaccination, you should contact your local doctor at the place of residence.

Why is hepatitis C dangerous and what should be done to prevent infection?

Why is hepatitis C dangerous and what should be done to prevent infection?

call-center: (391) 218-18-92, 218-18-93

Version for the visually impaired

Krasnoyarsk Interdistrict Clinical Hospital No. 4

paid services: (391) 218-07-33 (ext.1)

e-mail: [email protected]

660094, Krasnoyarsk, st. Kutuzova, 71

KGBUZ KMKB №4

News

Why is hepatitis C dangerous and what can be done to prevent infection?

Why is hepatitis C dangerous and what can be done to prevent infection?

Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the HCV virus. As a result of the reproduction of the virus in human liver cells, their function is disrupted and they can die, and the viruses that come out of them continue to infect more and more new cells.

If, after infection with the hepatitis C virus, the human body could not cope with it on its own and the virus continues to multiply for more than 6 months, then the disease has become chronic. Chronic hepatitis C occurs quite often, on average in 3 out of 4 people. Every fourth disease goes away on its own and often a person learns about it by chance after many years.

In the long course of the disease in an infected person, normal liver tissue is replaced by connective tissue (liver fibrosis). The final stage of fibrosis is cirrhosis of the liver. Therefore, it is important for all people with chronic hepatitis C to see a doctor and regularly undergo the necessary examinations.

The hepatitis C virus is found in large quantities in the blood and other body fluids of an infected person. Infection most often occurs when the blood of an infected person enters the blood or broken skin (mucous membranes) of another person. People who inject drugs are at the highest risk of becoming infected with the hepatitis C virus.

It is important to remember that the hepatitis C virus is not transmitted by shaking hands, hugging, kissing, sharing dishes and cutlery, sharing bed linen.

There are well-known measures to prevent infection with viral hepatitis C:

– Avoid tattoos, piercings and unreasonable cosmetic procedures, and if they are carried out, contact organizations that have the necessary permits for the provision of relevant services, whose specialists have received appropriate training in safe work practices and use disposable or reusable sterilized instruments.