July 28 – August 3rd is Hepatitis Awareness Week. Hepatitis is an infection of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that turns nutrients into energy, filters the blood, and fights illness. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, how it works can be affected in a negative way. Hepatitis can result in both short-term and long-term liver disease and cancer.
Hepatitis A can occur when an unvaccinated person eats contaminated food or drinks contaminated water. Hepatitis B, C, and D can spread by contact with blood and body fluids of an infected person. Hepatitis E is spread through contaminated water or undercooked pork, deer, or shellfish. Hepatitis A, B and C are the most common types in the United States.
· Individuals who have used injectable drugs even once in their lifetime.
· during certain food based outbreaks of hepatitis.