Hepatitis B vs. Hepatitis C: Understanding the Risks and Differences

Hepatitis C is worse than hepatitis B because it poses a greater risk for life-threatening liver malfunction. There is a vaccine for hepatitis B but not for hepatitis C.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of hepatitis B include dark urine, joint pain, nausea and jaundice (yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes) might not occur until 2 to 3 months after infection. When first infected with hepatitis C you might experience only mild flu-like symptoms.

Causes

• Viruses cause both hepatitis B and C. According to the Mayo Clinic, hepatitis B spreads more readily because of sexual transmission. Usually hepatitis C spreads when people share dirty needles or through unprotected sex.

Prognosis

• Most likely your body will fight off hepatitis B and you will fully recover, says the Mayo Clinic. Some adults, but more often children, develop chronic infection that can permanently damage their liver. Anti-viral drugs can limit the effects of hepatitis C. Unfortunately you might not realize you have become infected with hepatitis C for some time. Long-term infection (20 years or more) can cause cirrhosis (liver scarring) and liver failure.

Complications

• The Mayo Clinic says that chronic hepatitis B infection leaves you vulnerable to hepatitis D infection, which can further damage your liver. Even after a liver transplant for hepatitis C, the infection can recur so remains important to continue taking anti-viral medications.

Prevention

• A vaccine exists to treat hepatitis B. However if you become exposed to hepatitis B without having a vaccination, you can reduce your risk of infection by getting treatment within 24 hours. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.