Five different types of hepatitis exist and are labeled as Hep A, B, C, D and E. Each type has slightly different symptoms, and most types can be treated successfully. Hepatitis C, however, can cause lifelong illness and extreme damage to the liver. Teachers and medical workers are at increased risk of contracting most forms of hepatitis through exposure to blood or bodily fluids in their work settings.

Hepatitis A is usually contracted through sharing food or water with an infected person. It may also be contracted through sexual contact or contact with body fluids, like the blood or urine of an infected person. Most completely recover from hepatitis A, though the condition can make people very ill. Like all other forms of hepatitis, Hep A causes inflammation of the liver.

Treatment for hepatitis A is usually rest, and it may take as long as six months to fully recover. Initial symptoms are fever, aches and exhaustion. Symptoms can persist for several months. During this time, the person with hepatitis A is contagious and can pass the illness to others, through the above listed means of transmission.

Hepatitis B is transmitted sexually, or through contact with an infected person’s body fluids. It is a difficult disease, which may remain in the system for life. The initial swelling of the liver can result in permanent liver damage. Since a cure has not been found, doctors look to prevention. Most children now receive a hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination that protects them from this disease.

Hepatitis C is the worse of the types as it causes lifelong illness and significant liver damage. Transmitted in the same way as Hep A and B, Hep C is more of an autoimmune disease causing increasing damage to the liver as well as gradual exhaustion. Though some are now living with hepatitis C and doing better than initially expected, hepatitis C is still a very dangerous illness. Safe sex practices and avoiding needle sharing are the best ways to avoid hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D can only be contracted if a person already has Hep B. This can cause swelling of the liver, and is usually contracted through unsafe sex or needle sharing. Since Hep B may have already damaged the liver, hepatitis D can, in worst case scenarios, cause death since it can result in additional damage to the liver. The disease can be completely avoided through the HBV vaccination.

Hepatitis E is not common in developed countries. It is usually contracted by drinking water contaminated by the virus in developing or third world countries. The disease causes liver swelling, but those contracting it tend to make a complete recovery.

All forms of hepatitis are serious and can impact one’s life. Contraction of Hep A, for example, might mean months of being unable to work or go to school. Contraction of Hep C or Hep D can mean serious complications and damage to the liver. Avoiding these illnesses by mindfulness, abstaining or practicing safer sex and by not sharing food is important. If visiting poorer countries, drinking bottled water and not engaging in sexual contact with the residents of these countries, can help avoid Hep E.