How is Hepatitis Spread
Transmission varies according to the type of hepatitis virus. In general, hepatitis A is mostly through feces (stools) from infected people. Hepatitis B and C are spread through bodily fluids.
Hepatitis A
The virus that causes hepatitis A (HAV) is found in the stools (feces) of infected people. HAV is usually spread by putting something in your mouth that has infected stools. This can happen by accident, if the object, like an eating utensil, looks clean. Hepatitis A is common in areas where there are poor sanitary or hygienic (cleaning) conditions.
People at-risk of hepatitis A include:
Hepatitis B
Spread of the virus that causes hepatitis B (HBV) occurs when a bodily fluid of an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person. So, HBV spreads by having unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing needles for drugs, steroids, piercing, or tattooing, infected sharps, or from mother to baby during birth.
People at-risk of developing hepatitis B include:
Persons at-risk of hepatitis B might also be at risk of hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C
Spread of the virus that causes hepatitis C (HCV) occurs when a bodily fluid of an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person. This is similar to the spread of the virus that causes hepatitis B. So, HCV spreads by having unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing needles for drugs, steroids, piercing, or tattooing, infected sharps, or from mother to baby.
People at-risk of hepatitis C include:
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