Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver, caused by the hepatitis viruses: the hepatitis A, B, C, D and E virus. Infection can be acute or chronic (for hepatitis B and C). There is a vaccine against hepatitis A and B, and since a few years, an effective treatment against hepatitis C.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, which can affect its function. The liver has functions that are of vital importance to the body:
A distinction is made between acute and chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis is “acute” if it has begun recently or was limited in time (less than 6 months) and “chronic” if it persists for longer than 6 months.
There are different types of hepatitis. Some types can heal spontaneously or with the help of medication, but others may become chronic disease carry risk of complications.
There are 2 categories of hepatitis:
The viral forms of hepatitis vary according to the virus involved, especially in terms of the mode of transmission, the risk groups, the severity of symptoms, the evolution of the disease or the possibilities for prevention and control. There are 5 types of hepatitis viruses, of which the first 3 are the most common in Belgium:
DID YOU KNOW? The hepatitis C virus was only discovered in 1989. Until this discovery, the forms of hepatitis C were called “non-A” and “non-B”.
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Hepatitis A (and E) |
Hepatitis B (and D) |
Hepatitis C |
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Transmission |
Mainly via the faecal-oral route:
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Mainly through percutaneous/mucosal contact with infected blood or body fluids (sperm, saliva, etc.)
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Mainly through percutaneous/mucosal contact with blood/blood products
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Symptoms
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Complications |
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Treatment |
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Evolution |
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Prevention |
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