Facts on hepatitis

By Metro Creative

Hepatitis is a group of illnesses that cause inflammation of the liver, an organ responsible for performing a number of vital functions in the body. Several viruses may be responsible for causing hepatitis. Autoimmune dysfunction and certain behaviors, such as drug or alcohol use, also can cause hepatitis.

The Cleveland Clinic says hepatitis cases in the United States are most commonly caused by the hepatitis A, B and C viruses, known as viral hepatitis. The Canadian Cancer Society says hepatitis B is the most common type of hepatitis virus in Canada.

Hepatitis is spread mainly through exposure to infected blood or other bodily fluids.

Vaccines can prevent hepatitis A and B infections, but there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. The best way to prevent hepatitis C is to avoid behaviors that will lead to exposure to infected blood, including not sharing needles or avoiding injectable drugs altogether.