Types of Hepatitis
There are five types of the Hepatitis virus.
The first is called Hepatitis A. It is caused by consuming food and/or drinking water infected with a virus called HAV. It can also be caused by fluid exchange during sexual acts, not limited to anything from oral sex to anal sex.
The second is called Hepatitis B. It is caused by the virus HBV. It is a sexually transmitted disease, and can be transmitted very easily. It can be spread through vaginal fluid or excretion, semen, or blood. Intravenous drug users or needle sharing individuals can also easily spread the virus.
The third type is Hepatitis C, and it is caused by a virus called HCV. Like Hepatitis B, it is spread by contact with blood, semen, or vaginal fluid.
Another type is called Hepatitis D. It is caused by a virus called HDV. Hepatitis D is a secondary infection. By that, it means that you can only become infected by Hepatitis D, if you are already infected with hepatitis B. It is spread by contact with the HDV virus. This contact is made by blood, semen, or vaginal fluids also.
The fifth, and most rare, is called Hepatitis E. It is a very rare occurrence in the United States. It is caused by the virus called HEV, and you can contract the disease by consuming food or water infected with HEV, and sometimes by oral to anal sex. All of the forms of Hepatitis are dangerous to one’s health.
Each of the infections damages the liver, which results in swelling. Hepatitis A infections do cause liver problems, however, almost all of it’s sufferers will recover completely. Unlike A, Hepatitis B is considered to be a chronic, life-long disease as many carriers are unable to get rid of the infection. Hepatitis C is often a lifelong illness too. It’s damage to the liver is more significant than the others, and will sometimes result in Cirrhosis or liver cancer and ultimately death. Because Hepatitis D is a secondary infection to the B infection, it carries the same risk. Usually, a life-long infection sentence. Hepatitis E does cause swelling of the liver, but typically won’t cause long term damage.
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