Hepatitis is a condition caused by a viral infection that leads to inflammation in the liver. A viral infection is one of the most common causes of hepatitis, amongst others. As per a report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4.4 million Americans are affected by chronic hepatitis B and C at present. The condition goes undiagnosed in a lot of other people and understanding the common types of it, as well as its signs and symptoms, can give one an idea of how the best treatment methods for it. The most common types of viral hepatitis are as follows:

• Hepatitis A: This condition is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This particular type of hepatitis is known to be transmitted through the consumption of either food or water which has been contaminated by the feces of an individual who has already been affected by the virus.
• Hepatitis B: When a healthy individual comes in contact with body fluids like semen or vaginal secretions that are infected with the hepatitis B virus, then HBV will be transmitted to them. Sharing razors, drug use through injections, and having sex with an affected individual can all lead to being affected by this virus. 1.2 million people in the United States and 350 million people across the world have been affected by hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Similar to hepatitis B, this condition also gets transmitted when an individual comes in contact with infected body fluids. Drug use through injections and sexual contact with an infected person are the usual ways of transmission. HCV is the most common bloodborne viral infection in the United States with around 2.7 to 3.9 million Americans being chronically affected by it.
• Hepatitis D: This condition is also known as hepatitis delta. Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). This virus is known to further lead to liver disease. A healthy individual can contract this condition if they come in contact with blood infected with HDV. It is relatively rare and usually occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B, as the multiplication of HDV is not possible without the presence of hepatitis B in the affected individual.
• Hepatitis E: This condition is waterborne and is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). This disease is transmitted through the ingestion of fecal matter present in the contaminated water. This condition is seen commonly in places with poor sanitation facilities.

Practicing proper hygiene and making sure that one is not consuming contaminated food and water or using contaminated needles for blood transfusions, etc. play a vital role in helping the prevention of the spread of these infections. Vaccinations against type A and type B viruses are available and should be taken promptly to avoid being affected by these conditions.