Hepatitis C and B are infections of the liver caused by viruses. These viruses lead to inflammation of the liver and, if not treated, lead to long-term damage. Although both are severe, they vary in transmission, liver involvement, and treatment.
Hepatitis B is due to the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C is due to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Both can become chronic and quietly scar the liver over time.
The liver is important for digestion, metabolism, and removing toxins from the blood. When infected with HBV or HCV, the liver is inflamed. Chronic inflammation can eventually result in liver fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, liver failure, or even liver cancer.
The damage is not always immediate. Most individuals carry the disease for years without symptoms, which is why detection at an early stage is so critical.
Hepatitis B may be silent initially. Indeed, most individuals don't know they have it until their liver is already damaged. But in instances where symptoms occur, they may include:
In some individuals, these symptoms resolve, and the infection clears spontaneously. In others, the virus remains in the body and develops into chronic hepatitis B, which can be fatal if not treated.
Similar to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C frequently has no symptoms in its initial stages. That's why it's commonly referred to as a "silent" disease. When symptoms do manifest, they may include:
Due to its silent nature, most individuals learn they have Hepatitis C after normal blood tests or when complications arise.
Both Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that spread through specific body fluids, but the way they transmit differs slightly and is important to understand for prevention.
Hepatitis B is transmitted by contact with infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. The most common transmission methods are:
It's noteworthy that Hepatitis B is more infectious than HIV and can survive outside of the body for up to days.
Hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with blood. The most common modes include:
There is no vaccine available for Hepatitis C, so prevention is even more important.
Liver cirrhosis is a condition where the liver tissue permanently gets scarred. In chronic hepatitis B or C patients, the liver attempts to heal itself after the virus has damaged it. If this continues for many years, it results in scarring.
The primary causes of cirrhosis that result from hepatitis are:
After cirrhosis has occurred, it is increasingly difficult for the liver to function normally, and the risk of liver cancer and liver failure is increased.
Chronic hepatitis B is when the virus has been present in your body for over six months. It's more likely to happen in individuals who became infected at birth or in early childhood.
Chronic hepatitis B can remain quiet for many years and then reopen without warning. Because of this, periodic monitoring is crucial. Individuals with chronic hepatitis B have an increased risk of getting cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
Yes, and it is one of the safest and most effective ways to avoid getting the disease.
The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and administered in several doses, typically beginning at birth. It's part of the standard vaccination schedule in most countries. The vaccine will keep you protected for life.
If you have not been vaccinated and are exposed (e.g., health care workers, individuals who live with someone with hepatitis B), discuss receiving the shot with your doctor.
Diagnosis of Hepatitis C requires blood tests to see if you have the virus. If you are positive, additional tests are conducted to determine:
Because the symptoms may take years to become apparent, physicians usually suggest that individuals at risk—such as those with a history of intravenous drug abuse, individuals who have had blood transfusions before 1992, or those with abnormal tests of the liver—be screened.
Treatment for Hepatitis C has come a long way in the past decade. It is now curable in a majority of individuals.
Physicians utilize a class of medications known as direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). These drugs are oral and highly effective, curing infection within 8 to 12 weeks in a majority of individuals.
Treatment for Hepatitis B depends on whether the infection is acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
Acute hepatitis B typically doesn't require treatment beyond supportive measures such as rest and hydration.
Chronic hepatitis B may need antiviral drugs which suppress the virus and prevent damage to the liver.
Doctors adhere to established treatment protocols according to:
Regular monitoring is important in modifying treatment regimens as appropriate.
Yes, prevention is indeed very effective.
For Hepatitis B:
For Hepatitis C:
Because there is no Hepatitis C vaccine, prevention is your best shield.
Hepatitis B and C are severe liver health threats, particularly when they are undetected or untreated. Chronic infections can quietly destroy the liver, causing cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure.
Hepatitis B is preventable, and Hepatitis C is curable. With early diagnosis, proper treatment, and regular check-ups, people living with these infections can lead long, healthy lives.
If you’re at risk or have concerns, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor, get tested, and take the first step towards your liver health.
