Hepatitis

Overview

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, most often caused by a viral infection. There are five main types — Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E — each caused by a different virus and spread in different ways. Hepatitis can also result from heavy alcohol use, certain medications, toxins, or autoimmune disease. Some forms are short-lived, while others can become chronic and lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Many people with hepatitis have no symptoms until the liver is already damaged, which makes testing and early diagnosis especially important.

Common Symptoms

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Dark-colored urine
• Fatigue and weakness
• Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Many people have no symptoms, especially in early or chronic stages

Risk Factors

• Unprotected sex with an infected person
• Sharing needles or other drug injection equipment
• Being born to a mother with Hepatitis B
• Receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992 (Hepatitis C)
• Traveling to countries with high rates of Hepatitis A or E
• Long-term heavy alcohol use
• Sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes
• Working in healthcare or exposure to blood
• Having HIV or other sexually transmitted infections
• Lack of vaccination against Hepatitis A and B

Impact on the Black Community

Hepatitis B and C disproportionately affect Black Americans. Black adults are more likely to have chronic Hepatitis C and are less likely to be tested or treated, often being diagnosed at later stages of liver disease. Hepatitis B is also more common in Black communities, partly due to lower vaccination rates and gaps in screening. Barriers to care, including lack of access to testing and treatment, contribute to higher rates of liver cancer and liver-related deaths among Black Americans.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any health concerns.