Hepatitis A, B, and C: Protecting Your Liver
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, often from a virus — and the different types spread and behave very differently. A clear guide to hepatitis A, B, and C: how they spread, prevention, and vaccination.
Hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver — and it is most often caused by one of several viruses, labelled A, B, and C. They sound similar but spread and behave very differently, and it is worth knowing the difference because some are prevented by a simple vaccine, and some can quietly affect the liver for years. This is a clear, plain-language guide to hepatitis A, B, and C: how each spreads, the symptoms, and how to protect yourself and your family.
Why the Liver Matters
Your liver is a hard-working organ that processes nutrients, filters toxins, and much more. When a hepatitis virus inflames it, the liver can't work properly — which is why hepatitis can cause jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), tiredness, and, if long-lasting, serious liver damage over time. The good news is that several types are preventable and treatable.
The Main Types, Compared
| How it spreads | Key points | |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated food/water (poor sanitation) | Usually short-lived, resolves; vaccine available |
| Hepatitis B | Blood, unsafe injections, mother-to-baby, sex | Can become long-term; vaccine available (given in childhood) |
| Hepatitis C | Blood (unsafe injections/transfusions, sharing needles) | Often long-term and silent; NO vaccine, but now curable with medicines |
Common Symptoms
- Jaundice — yellowing of the skin and eyes (see our jaundice guide)
- Tiredness, poor appetite, nausea
- Dark urine, pale stools, tummy discomfort
- Often, especially with B and C, no symptoms for years — which is why they can go unnoticed
Prevention — The Good News
- Vaccination protects against hepatitis A and B — hepatitis B vaccine is part of India's childhood immunisation
- For hepatitis A: safe food and water, good hand hygiene (see our food-safety guides)
- For B and C: avoid unsafe injections, unsterile needles/tattoos, and sharing razors; ensure safe blood transfusions; safe sex for B
- Hepatitis C has no vaccine, but modern medicines can now cure most cases — so testing and treatment matter
Looking After Your Liver Generally
Beyond viruses, your liver is also affected by alcohol and fatty liver (linked to weight and diet). Limiting alcohol, keeping a healthy weight, eating well, and being cautious with unnecessary medicines and supplements all protect your liver. (See our guides on fatty liver and alcohol and your health.)
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor for symptoms of hepatitis, to check your vaccination status, or to get tested if you have risk factors — because B and C can be silent, testing is the only way to catch them early, and effective treatment (and, for C, a cure) is available. An online consultation is a good, private place to discuss your risk, vaccination, and testing. Protecting your liver is very achievable with vaccination, safe practices, and healthy habits. (See our guides on jaundice, fatty liver, and adult vaccines.)