Is Viral Hepatitis Contagious

Most people are familiar with hepatitis B and C as they pose major global health issues and affect millions worldwide. Due to outbreaks of foodborne illness and widely used vaccines, many will have at least heard of hepatitis A, but did you know about hepatitis B and C? While all five forms affect the liver, there are distinct differences.

This article not only explains what hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are, but also outlines their differences, similarities, and whether viral hepatitis is contagious. Additionally, you will learn how contagious viral hepatitis is and how it can be prevented and treated.

What is Viral Hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis is caused by the hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, or E. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain, especially on the upper right side. Dark urine, pale stools and jaundice are also commonly seen in hepatitis patients. However, not everyone shows symptoms, and sometimes the virus can stay hidden in the body for years or even decades. This delay in detection can unknowingly result in further spread.

Although the core nature of viral hepatitis remains consistent across all types, there are notable differences in how they spread and the severity of their impact on the body. For example, while hepatitis A and E typically resolve on their own after a few weeks, hepatitis B, C, and D need to be taken more seriously, since they can become chronic and result in serious complications, like liver scarring, cirrhosis, failure, and cancer.

Is Viral Hepatitis Contagious?

If you’re wondering whether viral hepatitis is contagious and how contagious it is, the answer is: It depends. Hepatitis B is the most easily transmitted type, typically through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child at birth. It even survives outside the body for up to seven days, which increases the risk of infection.

Although hepatitis C is less transmissible via sexual contact or from mother to child, it can be spread through blood-to-blood contact like needle-sharing. Once infected, the virus is more likely to become chronic than hepatitis B and cause severe damage.

The lesser-known viral hepatitis types A and E are highly contagious in poor sanitation conditions and usually spread through contaminated water and food. However, they pose a lesser health risk since they often result in short-term illness only.

Finally, hepatitis D is highly contagious and the most aggressive form of viral hepatitis. However, it poses a lesser health risk overall since only people with hepatitis B can contract an infection.

How is Viral Hepatitis Prevented and Treated?

Depending on the type, viral hepatitis can be prevented by avoiding high-risk behaviours related to its transmission routes. For example, avoiding unprotected sex and needle sharing helps you protect yourself against hepatitis B and C, while practicing safe hygiene, especially in high-risk regions, is critical to avoid infections with hepatitis A and E. Additionally, getting vaccinated offers solid protection against hepatitis A and B, and indirectly against hepatitis D. Currently, there are no vaccines available for hepatitis C or E.

Treatment is usually not required when the infection is acute, as it resolves on its own. Healing can be supported by measures such as drinking plenty of water, resting and avoiding alcohol or other unnecessary liver strain. Although acute infections can occur with any type, it’s most common in hepatitis A and E.

Chronic hepatitis B and C are both addressed with antiviral medication. However, their treatment has different goals, since hepatitis B is managed long-term to suppress the virus in the blood, e.g. by using the medication Baraclude. In contrast, hepatitis C can usually be cured completely after a few weeks with drugs such as Viekira. Lastly, hepatitis D is the hardest to manage, which may also involve antiviral drugs or pegylated interferon. When all treatment fails or the disease is too advanced, a liver transplant serves as the last resort.

Finally, no matter the type of hepatitis, avoiding alcohol, reducing drugs and supplements that affect the liver, leading an overall healthy lifestyle, and getting the available vaccines can help manage your condition and improve your quality of life.