The word "hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver and also refers to a group of viral infections that affect the liver. The most common types are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.  Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation.

According to the CDC, an estimated 25,000 persons become infected with Hepatitis A each year; 43,000 with Hepatitis B, and 17,000 with Hepatitis C. In the United States, an estimated 1.2 million Americans are living with chronic Hepatitis B and 3.2 are living with chronic Hepatitis C. Many do not know they are infected. 

Hepatitis A infects those who swallow the virus. This can happen when infected people do not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom and then touch food that is eaten by someone else. Symptoms may include fever, feeling tired, poor appetite, dark yellow urine, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, yellow skin or eyes. There is no specific medication to treat hepatitis A and most people recover on their own. Anyone can get hepatitis A. Those who have recovered from hepatitis A become immune to the virus and cannot become infected again. Hepatitis A can be prevented with a vaccine.

Hepatitis B is spread by contact with infected people’s blood, semen, or other body fluids. Anyone can get hepatitis B, but some people are at higher risk. Many people with hepatitis B do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. For some people, hepatitis B is an acute, or short-term, illness; but for others it can become a long-term, chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious health issues, like cirrhosis or liver cancer. The best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated. As of March 2023 the CDC now recommends that all adults also get screened for hepatitis B at least once in their lifetime.

Hepatitis C is spread through contact with blood from an infected person. Most people become infected with the hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs. For some people, hepatitis C is a short-term illness with no symptoms, but for more than half of people who become infected it becomes a long-term, chronic infection that can cause life-threatening health problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but treatments can cure most people with hepatitis C in 8 to 12 weeks.

The NJ Department of Health's Viral Hepatitis Services Locator provides locations of free or low cost facilities in NJ that provide hepatitis services, including vaccination, testing and treatment.  General information on hepatitis can also be found on the NJDOH Hepatitis dashboard. The CDC also offers a number of Viral Hepatitis Materials for Patients.