What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a virus that causes liver damage by infecting liver cells and causing inflammation. There are several different types of Hepatitis, the most common are Hepatitis A, B and C. Hepatitis B and C can lead to lead to chronic liver infection, with hepatitis C being the most common cause of liver disease in the UK.

Currently Hepatitis A and B can be vaccinated against, and this is free for high risk groups including:

• Men who have sex with men
• People who inject illegal drugs
• People who may be exposed through their job, such as healthcare workers, those who work in homeless shelters

Please find more detailed information about Hepatitis A, B and C in these additional pages: -

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C