Hepatitis A to E: Know the Types, Risks, and Prevention

Have you ever paused to think just how many different viruses can strike your liver—and how easily they can catch you off-guard? There are five viral types of hepatitis—A, B, C, D, and E—each with its own route of transmission, level of severity, and preventive strategy. Curious to learn more about how each type behaves, who’s most vulnerable, and what you can do to stay safe? Keep reading to find out 

What is Hepatitis ? 

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It may be caused by viral infection, alcohol consumption, several health conditions, or even some medications. The five main viral classifications of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. A different virus is responsible for each type of viral hepatitis.

• Hepatitis A : Hepatitis A is the result of an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is an acute, short-term disease.

• Hepatitis B : The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B. This is often an ongoing, chronic condition. 

• Hepatitis C : Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is among the most common bloodborne viral infections in the United States and typically presents as a long-term condition.

• Hepatitis D : This is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. The hepatitis D virus (HDV) causes liver inflammation like other strains, but a person cannot contract HDV without an existing hepatitis B infection.

• Hepatitis E : Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease that results from exposure to the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply.Hepatitis E is usually acute but can be particularly dangerous in pregnant women.

Common symptoms of infectious hepatitis include:

• Fatigue

• Flu-like symptoms

• Dark urine

• Pale stool

• Abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite

• Unexplained weight loss

• Yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice

What are the routes of transmission for Hepatitis ?

Type	Route of Transmission
Hepatitis A	Exposure to HAV in food or water
Hepatitis B	Contact with HBV in body fluids such as blood,        vaginal secretions or semen
Hepatitis C	Contact with HCV in body fluids such as blood,         vaginal secretions or semen
Hepatitis D	Contact with blood containing HDV
Hepatitis E	Exposure to HEV in food or water

Risk Factors of Hepatitis 

1. Environmental Risk Factors

Because many causes of hepatitis are found in a person’s surroundings, exposure to certain environmental factors can make you more likely to develop hepatitis over time. Environmental risk factors associated with hepatitis include:

• Unsafe water for drinking or washing produce

• A lack of sanitation services like bathrooms or places to wash hands

• Contact with used needles, syringes, or other objects that might be contaminated with blood infected with hepatitis viruses

2. Behavioral Risk Factors

Likewise, some behaviors or activities can make it more likely you’ll be exposed to viruses, toxic chemicals or substances that cause hepatitis. Behaviors that increase a person’s chances of developing hepatitis include:

• Sharing needles or other objects (such as straws if inhaling drugs) that might be contaminated with hepatitis viruses

• Condomless sex, having multiple sex partners, or other sexual practices that increase potential exposure

• Working around toxic chemicals. Examples of occupations routinely exposed to such chemicals include dry cleaners, painters, healthcare providers, or farm workers.

• Drinking untreated water or eating food that has not been safely or properly prepared (ex. unwashed produce)

• Drinking large quantities of alcohol over a long period of time

• Taking medications believed to be linked to hepatitis

3. Health Risk Factors

A person’s health history might also affect the chances he or she will develop hepatitis. Health risk factors for hepatitis include:

• Not being vaccinated against viral hepatitis, specifically HAV and HBV (there is no vaccine for HBC)

• Having an acute or chronic infection with one or more hepatitis viruses

• Having an autoimmune disorder, such as autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECE) 

• Being born to a mother who is infected with a hepatitis virus, particularly hepatitis B

Complications of Hepatitis 

Chronic hepatitis B or C can lead to more severe health problems. Because the virus affects the liver, people with chronic hepatitis B or C are at risk of:

• Chronic liver disease

• Cirrhosis

• Liver cancer

When your liver stops functioning normally, liver failure can occur. Complications of liver failure include : bleeding disorders, a buildup of fluid in your abdomen, known as ascites, increased blood pressure in portal veins that enter your liver, known as portal hypertension, kidney failure, hepatic encephalopathy, which can involve fatigue, memory loss, and diminished mental abilities, hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a form of liver cancer and death. 

How to prevent Hepatitis ?

The essential package of viral hepatitis prevention services contributes to broader health outcomes and should include:

• Vaccination, particularly for HBV, and where appropriate HAV and HEV (a HEV vaccine has been developed and licensed in China, but is not yet widely available)

• Injection, blood and surgical safety and universal precautions

• Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HBV

• Harm reduction services for people who inject drugs 

• Treatment of chronic HBV and HCV infection as secondary and tertiary prevention

In addition, ensuring high levels of sanitation and access to safe food and water are essential to prevent and control epidemics of HAV and HEV. Interventions to prevent sexual transmission of HBV and HCV are also important for specific populations.

Hepatitis Treatment & Liver Care at Believers Church Hospital

At Believers Church Medical College Hospital—home to the Believers Regional Institute of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Transplantation we provide comprehensive care for Hepatitis A through E.

Located on a 25?acre NHS?accredited campus in Thiruvalla, Kerala, our 745 bedded NABH and NABL accredited facility offers cutting edge liver disease diagnosis and treatment supported by 24×7 emergency endoscopy and intensive care units . Led by internationally recognized hepatologists, the department manages viral hepatitis with personalised antiviral therapies, endoscopic procedures (ERCP, EUS, variceal banding, liver biopsy), and lifestyle or vaccination counselling . Supported by an expert multidisciplinary team (GI surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, and GI nurses), we ensure every case receives ongoing monitoring and holistic care . At Believers Church Hospital, you’re not just a patient—you’re at the centre of a care journey committed to preserving liver health, prolonging life, and restoring well-being.

Book your consultation today—early detection and treatment can be life-saving.