Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is most common is low- and middle-income countries due

to reduced access to clean and reliable water sources and the increased risk of
contaminated food. The most common way to get hepatitis A is by eating food or
drinking water contaminated with HAV. It also spreads from person to person
through contact with the blood and stool. Most HAV infections are mild, with the
majority of people recovering fully and developing immunity to further infection.
There is a vaccine for hepatitis A. The vaccine is a two-dose series.

Hepatitis B virus is the most prevalent form of viral hepatitis worldwide. It’s also
the leading cause of liver cancer.
About 90% of infants with hepatitis B go on to develop chronic infection, whereas
only 2%–6% of people who get hepatitis B as adults become chronically infected.
Not all people newly infected with HBV have symptoms, but for those that do,
symptoms can include fatigue, poor appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice.
For many people, hepatitis B is a short-term illness. For others, it can become a
long-term, chronic infection that can lead to serious, even life-threatening health
issues like cirrhosis or liver cancer.
There’s no cure for hepatitis B. The best way to prevent getting infected is getting
vaccination. Also use barrier protection, like condoms, during sex. Never share
needles. If you work with blood or blood products, always wear gloves and use
appropriate cleaning practices.