Hepatitis:  An inflammation of the liver and can lead to liver failure. 

Viral Hepatitis: An infection of the liver caused by one of the following viruses:
Hepatitis A (HAV), Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV). These infections can be dormant and have no symptoms for many years. Hepatitis A and B often present as yellowness of the eyes, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and abdominal pain.

Transmission of Hepatitis:

Hepatitis A is transmitted by food, contaminated water and person-to-person. It is not contagious but it is one of the most common diseases of adolescence.

Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infected body fluids, blood, urine, saliva, seminal fluid, vaginal secretions and breast milk. It is contagious and can be contracted through sexual contact or simple sharing of razors, toothbrushes, IV needles, tattooing and other sharp instruments. The Hepatitis B virus can live outside the body for up to ten days on a dry surface.  Often it can spontaneously resolve without any major damage to the liver.  A small group of patients will develop long term illness associated with this virus and may even require liver transplant.

Vaccines:

Vaccines can be beneficial for preventing Hepatitis A and B. They are recommended to Military personnel, travelers to developing countries, users of illicit drugs, certain institutional workers, health care personnel, day care center workers, and especially those with Hepatitis C infections.  

Vaccines are safe and effective for at least 10 years.  Currently there is no vaccine available for Hepatitis C.