Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and is a major health concern around the world. Usually it is caused by a virus or the presence of toxins such as alcohol or other drugs. The two main types of hepatitis are type A and Type B. There is also a relatively new strain described as Type C. Hepatitis symptoms range from mild health problems to life threatening conditions. Hepatitis A is most common in young adults and children. It is spread by food, eating utensils, toys, etc. Any object that has been contaminated by feces can harbor the virus. Hepatitis symptoms for type A are usually mild and include:

Common Hepatitis Symptoms

• Weakness
• Stomach Pain
• Nausea
• Jaundice
• Fever
• Dark Urine and Clay Colored Stools
• Fatigue
• Loss of Appetite

Usually a person with Type A and these kinds of hepatitis symptoms will recover fully with no lasting damage to the liver.
Type B is more severe. Also know as Serum Hepatitis, this type of the virus is spread by contact with body fluids. People with type A hepatitis symptoms have probably contracted it from a blood transfusion, needles used to deliver drugs, or sexual activity. The hepatic symptoms of type B are similar to Type A.

Although most people will recover from the hepatitis symptoms of type B, many will continue to carry the virus in their bodies and be able to infect others. Additionally, lingering hepatitis symptoms can cause long term damage to the liver. This could result in premature death or the need for a liver transplant.

Be aware that hepatitis symptoms may not be present in all cases where there is an infection of types A, B, or C. In this case liver damage may be occurring without any symptoms. If you are of a high risk group and suspect you may have been infected with, even if you do not have hepatitis symptoms, it is important that you be tested.

If you have any hepatitis symptoms and fit into any of these categories, go be tested!
• Intravenous drug use
• Overdose of acetaminophen
• Risky sexual
• Contaminated foods
• Traveling to high risk areas
• Living in a nursing home
• Having a family member with hepatitis A
• Alcohol abuse
• Receiving an organ transplant
• Having the HIV virus
• Receiving a blood transfusion before
• Being a healthcare worker
• Getting a tattoo