Viral hepatitis is an infection that affects the liver. There are at least five different types of hepatitis (A-E), with the three most common types being hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

A common result of all types is that they can cause mild to very severe liver damage.

The table below gives an overview of the symptoms, transmission, treatment and medicine, severity and complications, and the availability of vaccines.

(Click here for the table in pdf format.)

The most effective way of preventing hepatitis is to have good hygiene, practise safe sex, and to be careful around anything contaminated with blood.

If you experience jaundice, dark urine or light stool, you should see your doctor right away.

 

Sources
http://theconversation.com/explainer-the-a-b-c-d-and-e-of-hepatitis-54739
http://www.medicinenet.com/viral_hepatitis/article.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2227269
http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/health+topics/health+conditions+prevention+and+treatment/infectious+diseases/hepatitis
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/hepatitis/