The most common type of viral hepatitis, HAV is spread through oral contact with feces. The infection is often spread through poor sewage systems that contaminate water and food. Hepatitis A can also be sexually transmitted through anilingus. In rare cases, the Epstein Barr virus can lead to the development of hepatitis as well. 

Symptoms typically occur 2 to 6 weeks after infection and may include digestive system problems like nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite and vomiting. Other symptoms may include weight loss, itchy skin, abdominal pain and jaundice, which is the yellowing of skin, eyes and urine. Symptoms may be mild and mimic those that occur with the flu. Others that are infected with hepatitis A show no symptoms at all. These symptoms may also indicate an autoimmune hepatitis infection. 

As hepatits progresses, chemicals that are normally secreted by the liver start to infect the bloodstream. This can cause further yellowing of the skin and eyes, very dark urine, a bitter taste and foul breath. At this point, stools may appear to be white or very light in color. 

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is also very common and can be passed through sexual contact, drug users that share needles, using infected equipment when body piercing or tattooing, through blood transfusions and from a mother to her baby during delivery. 

Symptoms of hepatitis B are similar to hepatits A but tend to be more severe and can lead to chronic illnesses and permanent liver damage. Common symptoms include flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin, eyes and urine, itchy sensation on the skin or skin rashes, weight loss, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Patients with HBV often report feeling fatigued and may suffer from dehydration caused by excessive vomiting. Left untreated, HBV (the hepatitis B virus) can lead to cirrhosis and cancer of the liver and chronic hepatitis that cannot be treated. 

Hepatitis C

HCV can be spread through IV-drug use, using non-sterilized needles, through exposure to blood during sexual contact, during childbirth and through a blood transfusion. There are six known genotype variations of hepatitis C that vary slightly in their RNA. 

Symptoms of HCV generally appear between 15 and 150 days after infection, but many people do not exhibit symptoms of the virus. Symptoms are similar to HAV and HBV and may include flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, jaundice, weight loss, vomiting, nausea and itchy skin. As with HBV, people that do not seek treatment may develop cirrhosis and cancer of the liver like hepatocellular carcinoma or chronic hepatitis that cannot be treated. 

Even in the absence of symptoms, hepatits can be diagnosed through simple blood tests. Early vaccinations against hepatitis B and practicing healthy habits are the keys to prevention. Practicing good hygiene, avoiding poorly sanitized water and washing hands thoroughly are simple things you can do to avoid contracting the hepatitis virus.