Merck Manual

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Overview of Hepatitis

By

Sonal Kumar

, MD, MPH, Weill Cornell Medical College

Reviewed/Revised Aug 2022 | Modified Sep 2022
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Topic Resources

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver.

Hepatitis is common throughout the world.

Hepatitis can be

  • Acute (short-lived)

  • Chronic (lasting at least 6 months)

Did You Know...

  • Vaccines can prevent some types of viral hepatitis or decrease its severity.

  • A few simple, common-sense precautions can also help prevent hepatitis.

Causes of Hepatitis

Hepatitis commonly results from

Table

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
Nydrazid
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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