Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, and viruses are a common cause. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are two viral infections that can cause long-term liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Many people who have them don’t know it, because they often cause no symptoms for years. The good news: hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine, and hepatitis C can usually be cured.
How hepatitis B and C spread
Both viruses spread through contact with infected blood. Hepatitis B can also spread through sexual contact and from mother to baby at birth. Common routes include:
- Sharing needles, syringes or other drug equipment
- Birth to a mother who has the virus
- Sexual contact (mainly hepatitis B)
- Sharing razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers
- Needlestick injuries in health care settings
- Unsterile tattooing or piercing equipment
They are not spread by hugging, kissing, sharing food or coughing.
Symptoms
Many people have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include fatigue, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark urine, pale stools, joint pain and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
Hepatitis B
Prevention: A safe, effective vaccine has been available for decades. It has long been part of the routine childhood vaccine schedule. In late 2025, federal vaccine advisers voted to change the newborn “birth dose” recommendation for babies whose mothers test negative for hepatitis B. In March 2026, a federal court paused that change while a lawsuit continues, so earlier recommendations remain in effect for now. The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend the birth dose. Because guidance may keep changing, talk with your child’s doctor. For adults, the CDC has recommended hepatitis B vaccination for everyone ages 19 to 59 and for adults 60 and older who have risk factors. Ask your doctor about the current recommendations for you.
Testing: Health officials recommend that adults be screened for hepatitis B at least once in their lifetime.
Treatment: Chronic hepatitis B can’t usually be cured, but antiviral medicines can control the virus and lower the risk of liver damage. Regular monitoring is important.
Hepatitis C
Prevention: There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Prevention focuses on avoiding contact with infected blood.
Testing: The CDC recommends hepatitis C testing at least once for all adults 18 and older, and during every pregnancy. People with ongoing risk factors should be tested regularly.
Treatment: Hepatitis C can be cured in most people with oral antiviral medicines taken for 8 to 12 weeks. These treatments have few side effects and cure rates above 95%.
Why early diagnosis matters
Untreated, chronic hepatitis B and C can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Testing and treatment can prevent these complications. Your doctor may check liver function tests and other blood work to monitor your liver.
What this means for you
- Ask your doctor whether you’ve been tested for hepatitis B and C.
- Check whether you’ve been vaccinated against hepatitis B, and hepatitis A as well.
- Never share needles, razors or toothbrushes.
- If you have hepatitis, limit alcohol and ask your doctor before taking new medicines or supplements.
The bottom line
Hepatitis B and C can silently damage the liver for years. Vaccination prevents hepatitis B, testing finds both infections, and modern treatments can control hepatitis B and cure hepatitis C.
Common questions
Can you get hepatitis C more than once?
Yes. Being cured doesn’t make you immune, so it’s important to avoid new exposures.
Is hepatitis A the same thing?
No. Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food or water and usually clears on its own. A vaccine prevents it.
Who is most at risk for hepatitis C today?
People who inject drugs are at highest risk, but anyone can be infected, which is why one-time testing for all adults is recommended.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual needs.
