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Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by:

  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Viral infection (viral hepatitis)
  • Buildup of fat in your liver

Hepatitis A, B and C

The most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Hepatitis A infections usually only last a few weeks. Most people can recover with rest and by avoiding alcohol.

Hepatitis B and C can result in life-long infection and often cause serious harm. Without diagnosis and treatment, hepatitis B and C can lead to severe liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Millions of Americans are living with viral hepatitis but do not know they are infected. There are few symptoms of the disease until its late stages. People may not learn they have hepatitis B or C until the liver starts to shut down.

You can get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B. If you have been infected, there is treatment for hepatitis B and a cure for hepatitis C. The best way to avoid a serious health problem is to get tested regularly and seek care quickly.

Find out where you can get low-cost or free testing, medical care and treatment for hepatitis using our NYC Health Map.

NYC Health Map

Hepatitis D and E

Hepatitis D and hepatitis E are rare in the U.S. If you think you may have either of these infections, you should discuss your treatment options with a doctor.

Viral Hepatitis Elimination

The NYC Health Department released the Plan to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis as a Major Public Health Threat in New York City by 2030 (Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan) (PDF), a set of strategies to reduce the number of hepatitis C infections, improve the health of people with hepatitis B and C, and reduce health inequities related to viral hepatitis infection in New York City.

The Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan is the product of a year-long community planning process during which the Health Department convened key stakeholders through the Hep Free NYC coalition.

Together, the NYC Health Department and Hep Free NYC partners developed strategies for systems and policy changes, enhanced clinical infrastructure, training, community outreach and stigma-free responsive care. The plan also includes progress indicators based on current hepatitis B and C program and surveillance data.

Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan Goals

  • Reduce new Hep C infections among people in NYC by 90% by 2030.
  • Reduce premature deaths among people with chronic Hep B and chronic Hep C in NYC by 65% by 2030. Improve the health of people with Hep B and C in NYC.
  • Reduce health inequities related to viral hepatitis infection among people in NYC.

Additional Resources

More Information