Hepatitis refers to liver inflammation with various causes, the most common being viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C, D, E). Understanding differences is crucial for prevention and treatment. **Type-Specific Guide:** 1. **Hepatitis A:** - Transmission: Fecal-oral (contaminated food/water) - Prevention: Vaccine, good hygiene - Treatment: Supportive care only - Does not become chronic 2. **Hepatitis B:** - Transmission: Blood/body fluids - Prevention: Vaccine (95% effective) - Treatment: Antivirals (tenofovir, entecavir) - Can become chronic 3. **Hepatitis C:** - Transmission: Blood exposure - Prevention: No vaccine, avoid exposure - Treatment: Direct-acting antivirals (>95% cure) - Often chronic if untreated 4. **Hepatitis D:** - Only occurs with hepatitis B coinfection - Prevention: Hep B vaccine prevents - Treatment: Limited options (peginterferon) 5. **Hepatitis E:** - Similar to Hep A in transmission - Special risk for pregnant women - Usually self-limiting **General Prevention Strategies:** - Vaccination (Hep A and B available) - Safe food/water practices - Safe sex (especially for Hep B) - Never share needles/syringes - Proper sterilization of medical/dental equipment - Caution with tattoos/piercings **Screening Recommendations:** - Universal Hep C screening for adults - High-risk groups for Hep B/C testing: * Born 1945-1965 (Hep C) * Immigrants from endemic areas * Healthcare workers * People who inject drugs * HIV-positive individuals **Liver Health Maintenance:** - Avoid excessive alcohol - Maintain healthy weight - Manage medications (some harm liver) - Regular monitoring if chronic hepatitis - Vaccinate against Hep A/B if susceptible **Emerging Treatments:** - New Hep B functional cure research - Shorter duration Hep C regimens - Improved diagnostics - Gene therapy approaches **Global Elimination Goals:** - WHO targets for viral hepatitis elimination - Increased testing/treatment access - Mother-to-child transmission prevention - Harm reduction programs If you have risk factors for viral hepatitis, talk to your doctor about testing and prevention options. Many forms are now preventable or treatable with modern medicine.