The word Hepatitis is derived from the greek word hepat meaning liver and it is meaning inflammation. So in simple words, Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver cells. There are five main types of viral hepatitis — A, B, C, D and E. Of those, Hepatitis A, B and C are the most common types in the United States . According to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Some people with hepatitis may not show any symptoms, but when they occur it includes high fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, pain in the abdoman and jaundice.

Hepatitis A and E are acute (short-term) viral infections typically transmitted through food or water contaminated by fecal matter, the WHO says. Hepatitis B is spread through exposure to infected blood, through sexual contact with an infected person, or during childbirth. Hepatitis C is mainly spread through contact with the blood of an infected person, according to the CDC. Hepatitis D is also spread through contact with blood, but infections with this virus only occur when someone is also infected with hepatitis B.

The cure for hepatitis depends upon the type as well as whether the hepetitis is acute or chronic. The acute phase is not usually dangerous, unless it develops into the fulminant or rapidly progressing form, which can lead to death.

Hepatitis A Treatment

There is no particular treatment of Hepatitis A. It largely depends on how far you go to abstain from drugs and alcohol.

Hepatitis B Treatment

A patient with hepatitis B needs to rest. He will require a diet that is high in protein and carbohydrate – this is to repair damaged liver cells, as well as to protect the liver. If this is not enough, the doctor may prescribe interferon. Interferon is an antiviral agent.

Hepatitis C Treatment

A patient with hepatitis C will be prescribed pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The medicines currently used to treat hepatitis C are effective in controlling the disease in some people. However, hepatitis C treatments are not very easy to take, especially because some require frequent injections.

Hepatitis D or E

So far, there is no effective treatment for either hepatitis D or E.

Liver diseases afflict Americans of all ages and stages, but most frequently those in the productive “prime of life” years, between the ages of 40 and 60 years, notes Jay Hoofnagle, M.D., of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Minorities and the poor are especially hard hit. The old saying – Prevention is better than cure applies well here as we suggest some preventive measure.

• Wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
  • Use condoms and dont share drug needles.
  • Don’t share personal items—such as toothbrushes, razors and nail clippers—with an infected person.