Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Most cases are caused by a virus, but it can also be caused by drug or alcohol use. The type of viral hepatitis is named after the virus it is caused by: hepatitis A, B, C, D or E. Some forms are mild, while others can be serious. There are some vaccines and treatments available for viral forms.

Hepatitis C (HCV) is the most common form of viral hepatitis. Symptoms are often flu-like, but not severe, and many patients have no symptoms at all. HCV can be acute or chronic. There are treatments available for HCV. People born from 1945-1965 are five times more likely to have HCV and should be encouraged to get screened.