Initial symptoms are often similar to those of the flu. Chronic Viral Hepatitis Chronic liver diseases are often cause by Chronic Viral Hepatitis. Many go untreated because it is not initially recognized. There are several types of hepatitis. We will look at those most common in this country.
Transmission is commonly due to the fecal-oral route and is usually food or water borne.
There are an estimated 84,000 to 134,000 symptomatic infections each year. The hepatitis A virus will cause liver damage. A vaccine is available for long-term protection from this virus, for those age 2 and older. Another vaccine is available for short-term protection, before exposure or within two weeks following exposure to the virus. This is a blood borne virus that can be transmitted through sexual contact or perinatally.