What Is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. While it can be caused by alcohol use, medications, autoimmune conditions, and toxins, it is most commonly associated with viral infections. The three most prevalent forms of viral hepatitis in the United States are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, each with distinct causes, transmission routes, and treatment approaches.

The liver is one of the most vital organs in the body. It filters toxins from the blood, produces bile for digestion, regulates blood sugar, and supports hundreds of essential metabolic functions. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, the effects can ripple across the entire body.

Understanding the Types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a short-term viral infection typically transmitted through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. It does not lead to chronic liver disease and most people recover fully. A vaccine is available and is highly effective at preventing infection.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infected blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during birth. For some people, particularly those infected at a young age, it can become a chronic infection that leads to serious liver damage over time. A vaccine is also available for Hepatitis B, and antiviral treatments exist for those with chronic infection.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is transmitted primarily through contact with infected blood, most commonly through shared needles or, historically, through blood transfusions before widespread screening began in the early 1990s. Unlike Hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. However, there are highly effective antiviral treatments available today that can cure the infection in most patients. This makes testing and early detection critically important.

Why Hepatitis C Is Known as the Silent Epidemic

One of the most concerning aspects of Hepatitis C is how silently it operates. Many people infected with the virus experience no symptoms for decades, all while the virus is slowly causing inflammation and damage to the liver. By the time symptoms appear, significant liver damage may have already occurred, potentially leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all adults be tested for Hepatitis C at least once, with more frequent testing recommended for people with ongoing risk factors. Baby boomers, those born between 1945 and 1965, are at particularly elevated risk and are strongly encouraged to get tested.

If you have never been tested for Hepatitis C and are searching for a gastroenterology clinic near you in New Hampshire, our team at Granite State Gastroenterology can help.

Risk Factors for Hepatitis C

You may be at higher risk for Hepatitis C if you:

• Were born between 1945 and 1965
• Have ever injected drugs, even once, many years ago
• Received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
• Have been on long-term kidney dialysis
• Were born to a mother with Hepatitis C
• Have HIV
• Have had tattoos or piercings done in non-sterile environments
• Work in healthcare and have had accidental needle stick exposure

Symptoms of Hepatitis C to Watch For

Many people with chronic Hepatitis C have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Fatigue that does not improve with rest
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Abdominal pain or discomfort, particularly in the upper right side
• Nausea or poor appetite
• Joint pain
• Easy bruising or bleeding

These symptoms can also be associated with other liver and GI conditions, which is why proper evaluation by a gastroenterologist or liver specialist is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Hepatitis C Treatment: A Remarkable Medical Success Story

The treatment landscape for Hepatitis C has been transformed over the last decade. What was once a long, difficult treatment course with significant side effects has been replaced by direct-acting antiviral medications that are taken orally, usually for eight to twelve weeks, with cure rates exceeding 95 percent in most patients.

At Granite State Gastroenterology, our providers have expertise in Hepatitis C treatment and work closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment regimen based on the specific genotype of the virus, the degree of liver involvement, and the patient’s overall health profile. Treatment is now more tolerable and more effective than ever before, and many patients complete it with minimal disruption to their daily lives.

Protecting Your Liver Health Beyond Hepatitis

Hepatitis Awareness Month is also a good opportunity to think more broadly about liver health. In addition to viral hepatitis, our team at Granite State Gastroenterology evaluates and manages a range of liver conditions including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, and disorders of the pancreas that can impact liver function.

Protecting your liver involves more than just avoiding hepatitis. Limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and avoiding unnecessary medications or supplements that can stress the liver are all important steps. If you have been told you have elevated liver enzymes or abnormal liver function tests, do not ignore it. This is an important signal that warrants further evaluation by a gastroenterologist.

Our patient education resources and expert providers are here to guide you through understanding your results and developing a plan. You can also request an appointment online at any time.

Hepatitis and Liver Disease Care at Granite State Gastroenterology

Our board-certified gastroenterologists bring years of specialized expertise in liver disease and hepatitis care to patients across New Hampshire. We understand how unsettling it can be to receive a hepatitis diagnosis or abnormal lab results, and we are committed to providing clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way.

We serve patients from Bedford, Londonderry, Raymond, Windham, Manchester, Derry, Epping, Exeter, Fremont, Amherst, Salem, and communities throughout southern and central New Hampshire. Whether you need hepatitis testing, treatment for Hepatitis C, or ongoing management of a liver condition, Granite State Gastroenterology is your trusted GI partner close to home.

Call us at (603) 432-8802 or request an appointment online today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hepatitis and Liver Health

1. How do I know if I have Hepatitis C?

The only way to know if you have Hepatitis C is to get tested. A simple blood test can detect the presence of Hepatitis C antibodies. If the antibody test is positive, a follow-up test will confirm whether the infection is active. Because many people have no symptoms for years, testing is the only reliable way to find out. Granite State Gastroenterology can order and interpret hepatitis testing for patients across New Hampshire.

2. Is Hepatitis C curable?

Yes. With modern direct-acting antiviral medications, Hepatitis C is now curable in the vast majority of patients, often with an eight to twelve week course of oral medication and very few side effects. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to preventing long-term liver damage. If you have been diagnosed with Hepatitis C, our team is here to walk you through your treatment options.

3. Can you get Hepatitis C from casual contact?

No. Hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing food or drinks, coughing, or sneezing. It is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood. You cannot contract Hepatitis C by being around someone who has it in everyday social situations.

4. What is the difference between fatty liver disease and hepatitis?

Hepatitis specifically refers to inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infection. Fatty liver disease, also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver, often in people with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. Both conditions can lead to liver damage if untreated, and both are evaluated and managed by gastroenterologists and liver specialists. Our team at Granite State Gastroenterology has expertise in both.

5. When should I see a gastroenterologist about my liver health?

You should seek evaluation if you have been told you have elevated liver enzymes or abnormal liver function tests, if you have symptoms such as persistent fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal discomfort, if you have known risk factors for hepatitis or liver disease, or if you have a personal or family history of liver conditions. Early evaluation can make a significant difference in outcomes. If you are in the greater New Hampshire area, including Bedford, Londonderry, Manchester, Derry, or surrounding communities, Granite State Gastroenterology is here for you. Visit granitegastro.com or call (603) 432-8802 to get started.

Take the First Step This May

Hepatitis Awareness Month is a reminder that knowing your status and taking care of your liver is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. Whether you are due for hepatitis testing, managing a liver condition, or simply want to understand your GI health better, Granite State Gastroenterology is here to help.

With convenient locations across southern and central New Hampshire in Bedford, Londonderry, Raymond, and Windham, expert care is closer than you think. Contact us today and let our team support you on your path to better health.