Hepatitis is a medical term that indicates ‘inflammation of the liver.’ It is one of the most common causes of liver failure and can affect kids and adults. 

Here are 5 Things You Need to Know about Hepatitis:

• There are 5 main strains of Hepatitis- Hepatitis A, B, C, D & E.
• Hepatitis A & E generally occurs through ingestion of contaminated food. At the same time, Hepatitis B & C can be transmitted by performing unprotected sex or through blood transfusion. Hepatitis D occurs only in individuals with Hepatitis B.
• Consuming unhygienic street food is the major culprit behind contracting Hepatitis E. It is one of the most common hepatitis strains found in adults.
• Once the virus has entered the body, it may take 5 to 10 years for Hepatitis B  and about 20 years for Hepatitis C to progress into liver disease.
• Jaundice, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, nausea, and vomiting are the most common symptoms experienced by people with Hepatitis. 
• All newborns are eligible to receive free vaccines in India. Adults require three doses of vaccine at 0, 1 & 3 months after testing negative for the HBsAg.
• In case you contact the virus, antiviral treatments are available for both Hepatitis B & C.