Overview
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infection (hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E). It can also result from alcohol, medications, and autoimmune conditions. Acute hepatitis resolves in most people; chronic hepatitis B and C can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer over years.
How common is it?
WHO's 2024 global hepatitis report estimated that 254 million people had hepatitis B and 50 million had hepatitis C in 2022. These are dated global estimates; prevalence varies by country and hepatitis type.
Causes and risk factors
Transmission depends on the virus. Hepatitis A and E can spread through contaminated food or water; hepatitis E can also come from undercooked meat. B and D spread through infected blood or body fluids. C mainly spreads through infected blood; sexual or birth transmission is less common.
Common risk factors
- Hepatitis A/E: travel to high-prevalence areas, contaminated food or water
- Hepatitis B: unprotected sex, sharing needles, birth from infected mother
- Hepatitis C: sharing needles or blood-contaminated equipment
- Hepatitis D: only occurs with hepatitis B co-infection
- Alcohol excess causing alcoholic hepatitis
- Autoimmune hepatitis (immune system attacking liver cells)
- Drug-induced hepatitis from paracetamol overdose or certain medications
Symptoms
- Fatigue and general malaise
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes)
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Right upper abdominal pain or tenderness
- Joint and muscle aches
- Fever (more common in hepatitis A)
When to see a doctor
Arrange urgent medical assessment for jaundice, dark urine or suspected hepatitis, especially during pregnancy. Confusion, vomiting blood, heavy bleeding or collapse needs emergency care. Ask about testing after possible exposure even if you feel well.
Diagnosis
Blood tests: liver function tests show elevated ALT and AST. Specific viral serology identifies the type (hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C antibody, then viral load PCR). Liver biopsy or fibroscan assesses damage in chronic cases.
Treatments
Antiviral therapy for hepatitis C
Direct-acting antiviral tablets can cure hepatitis C in over 95% of people, often in 8 to 12 weeks. The specialist selects the combination and duration for the virus type, liver condition and other medicines; not every combination treats every genotype.
Antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B
Medicines such as tenofovir or entecavir suppress hepatitis B and reduce the risk of liver damage. Treatment is often long term; monitoring remains important, including after viral suppression. Do not change treatment without specialist advice.
Supportive care for acute hepatitis
Supportive care may include rest, nutrition and avoiding alcohol. Most hepatitis A and E infections resolve, but severe illness, pregnancy or a weakened immune system needs closer assessment. Ask a clinician before changing medicines or using supplements.
Liver transplant
For end-stage liver disease (cirrhosis with decompensation) or acute liver failure. Hepatitis C can be cured before or after transplant.
Self-care and lifestyle
- Avoid all alcohol during hepatitis and for at least 6 months after recovery
- Do not share personal items such as razors or toothbrushes
- Practise safe sex and use barrier contraception
- Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is available and highly effective
Prevention
Hepatitis A and B are vaccine-preventable. Safe needle programmes prevent hepatitis C. Blood supply screening, safe sex, and hand hygiene all contribute to prevention.
Sources for targeted updates
Updated: 24 October 2026. Urgent-care guidance and the specific treatment or self-care statements corrected in this update. This update covers the named sections; a full review of the remaining guide is pending.