The liver-affecting infection that is viral hepatitis has a minimum of 6 different types, ranging from hepatitis A to hepatitis G. However, the three most common kinds of hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The acute infection, which is hepatitis A, sees affected individuals usually getting better without treatment. Much worse than that are hepatitis B and hepatitis C, which can end up causing a persistent, chronic infection — this could ultimately lead to chronic liver disease. While hepatitis A and B have vaccines, there is no current cure for hepatitis C. Here’s everything one needs to know about the common types of hepatitis:

Hepatitis A
The hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes the hepatitis A infection. The HAV virus is found in the feces or stool of the individual who has been infected with the HAV virus. A hepatitis A infection can easily end up spreading from one individual to another when one puts something in their mouth. Although certain things might look clean, it could have been contaminated with the HAV virus from the affected individual. This could end up being a result of when individuals don’t wash their hands after using the toilet and then end up touching or preparing other people’s food.

Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes the hepatitis B infection. The HBV virus is found in certain bodily fluids and the blood of the affected individual. Hepatitis B spreads when an individual, who is not immune to the HBV virus, comes in contact with the bodily fluids or the blood of an infected person. Hepatitis B spreads usually from infected mothers to their babies when they are giving birth. It also spreads when individuals share needles and other personal objects while either injecting or shooting drugs. It could also take place in a healthcare setting when the needles are infected and are not sanitized or cleaned properly. Also, exposure to blood in any and every situation, no matter whether one shares it or not, could be a risk for transmission.

Hepatitis C
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the cause of hepatitis C. The HCV virus is found in some body fluids and the blood of the infected person. Hepatitis C spreads when an individual who isn’t immune comes in contact with the body fluids or the blood from infected individuals. Hepatitis C spreads usually via the sharing of needles when one is doing drugs. It could also spread through accidental needlestick or sharp object exposures in a healthcare setting, like an injection in a hospital. Sometimes, it could also spread from infected mothers to their babies during birth. And while it is uncommon, it is also possible for individuals to contract hepatitis C from having sexual intercourse.