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Take the Hepatitis Test

Viral hepatitis comes in several forms, and many of them can make you very sick.  Some forms of the virus can be eliminated from the body.  But other forms remain for a lifetime.  Take this quiz to test your knowledge of hepatitis. 

1.  Which organ does hepatitis affect? 

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Whatever the cause, hepatitis results in inflammation of the liver. 

A. HeartB. BrainC. LiverD. Kidneys

2.  Which of these things can cause hepatitis? 

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Alcohol abuse damages liver cells.  Medicines can cause reactions that inflame the liver.  Acetaminophen taken in high doses can severely damage the liver.  A weak immune system, such as is found in people with AIDS, can put you at higher risk for hepatitis, as well as many other infections. 

A. VirusesB. Medicines and alcoholC. Immune system that's not working as it shouldD. All of the above

3.  The disease exists in short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) forms.  How long does acute hepatitis last? 

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But some acute forms can develop into chronic forms. 

A. Less than 6 monthsB. Less than 3 monthsC. About 6 weeksD. 1 month

4.  How many forms of viral hepatitis have been found so far? 

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Researchers have identified A, B, C, D, and E viruses that cause hepatitis.  Vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis A and B, but not for the C, D, and E forms. 

A. 3B. 4C. 5D. 8

5.  What are the symptoms of hepatitis? 

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But not everyone has symptoms. 

A. Tiredness (fatigue)B. Low feverC. NauseaD. All of the above

6.  Which form of hepatitis can be passed on through contaminated food or water? 

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Often called infectious hepatitis, both hepatitis A and hepatitis E can easily be spread from one person to another.  Infectious hepatitis spreads when a person unknowingly picks up the virus from objects, food, or water contaminated with stool from an infected person.  Hepatitis A also can be spread from close personal contact with an infected person.  This might be from taking care of an infected person or through sex. 

A. BB.  CC.  A and ED.  All of the above

7.  Which form can exist for years without symptoms? 

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Both hepatitis B and hepatitis C can exist for years without symptoms.  Hepatitis C is contracted via blood transfusions, contaminated medical devices, body piercing, or intravenous drug use.  It is rarely passed on through sexual contact with an infected person. 

A. DB.  B and CC.  AD.  All of the above

8.  Vaccines have been developed to protect against which hepatitis viruses? 

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Vaccines can help prevent hepatitis A and B. International travelers can benefit from the hepatitis A vaccine before going abroad. 

A. AB.  BC.  DD.  A and B

9.  A blood test can confirm hepatitis.  Doctors look for an elevated amount of which of these? 

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Elevated liver enzymes can be an indication of an acute hepatitis infection, but other factors, such as alcohol use or certain medications, can also cause the liver enzymes to go up.  The doctor will use medical history, physical exams, laboratory tests, X-rays, and even a liver biopsy to confirm a viral hepatitis diagnosis. 

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