Hepatitis; Types of Hepatitis Virus, Modes of Transmission & Symptoms

Modes of transmission and risk factors

The mode of transmission of the hepatitis virus is different for each type.

In the case of Hepatitis A, it is commonly associated with contaminated water and food. Hepatitis E also has a similar mode of transmission, though it is not as common.

Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through contact with blood. They are all transmitted if you receive a blood transfusion from an infected individual. Invasive procedures may also transmit these hepatitis types when the medical personnel does not follow proper safety measures.

Hepatitis B, in particular, is more common and has additional modes of transmission. It can be passed down to a mother’s newborn baby through natural delivery. Another standard mode of transmission is sexual contact, making the hepatitis B virus the most common type of chronic hepatitis.

For all of the above, you may be at risk of viral hepatitis infections in these cases:

• If you had contact with individuals infected with hepatitis A
• If you recently traveled to a country with a high incidence of hepatitis A
• If you’re in close contact with an individual who traveled to such a country
• If you use drugs
• If you have multiple sexual partners or have a promiscuous partner
• If you work with primates