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Many people with hepatitis will get no symptoms at all or only get symptoms a long time after infection.
If you do have symptoms, these may include:
These symptoms usually last for 1 to 3 weeks, but they can last longer and sometimes may come back again.
You might also get flu-like symptoms, diarrhoea, tummy pain, and feel or be sick before the main symptoms of hepatitis start. This can last for 5 to 7 days.
You can get help from 111 online or call 111. Always call 111 if you need help for a child under 5 years old.
The most common cause of hepatitis is being infected with a hepatitis virus. How you get the virus depends on the type, but you can get an infection by:
Getting infected from blood or body fluids can happen during birth, unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, or a blood transfusion.
It can also happen if you share things like needles, razor blades or toothbrushes, or from equipment that's not been cleaned properly – for example, when getting a tattoo or piercing.
Hepatitis can also be caused by:
There are 5 main viruses that cause different types of hepatitis. There are also non-viral types of hepatitis.
The causes and treatment depend on which type you have. Get medical help if you think you have hepatitis.
| Type of hepatitis | How you get it |
|---|---|
| Type of hepatitis |
How you get it
Usually caught from contaminated water or food in certain parts of the world. You can be vaccinated against hepatitis A. |
| Type of hepatitis |
How you get it
Passed on from infected blood or body fluids. Hepatitis B vaccine is part of the 6-in-1 vaccine offered to all babies in the UK. |
| Type of hepatitis |
How you get it
Passed on from infected blood. Symptoms often only appear months or years after infection. |
|
Type of hepatitis
Hepatitis D |
How you get it
Passed on from infected blood or body fluids. Only people who have hepatitis B can get hepatitis D. |
|
Type of hepatitis
Hepatitis E |
How you get it
Usually caught in the UK from eating raw or undercooked meat or shellfish. In some parts of the world, it can be caught from contaminated food and water. Most people will get better without treatment, but it can make you seriously ill if you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system. |
|
Type of hepatitis
Alcoholic hepatitis |
How you get it
A stage of alcohol-related liver disease. Usually caused by liver damage from drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time. Can also happen if you regularly drink a lot of alcohol in a short period of time (binge drink). |
|
Type of hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis |
How you get it
Caused by your immune system attacking your own body. More common if you're a woman or have another autoimmune condition. You cannot catch or spread autoimmune hepatitis. |
How hepatitis is treated depends on the type, what's caused it or how serious it is.
Some types, such as hepatitis A and hepatitis E, usually get better without treatment for the virus.
For other types, treatment can include:
If your liver has been seriously damaged by hepatitis, you may need a liver transplant.
Hepatitis can be short term (acute) or long term (chronic).
Short-term hepatitis usually does not cause serious complications, but it can take several months to recover fully.
Having hepatitis for a long time, or not having treatment for some types of hepatitis, can cause serious problems.
Complications can include:
