<p><span class="quick_facts_title">Fast facts on hepatitis</span></p>
<p>Here are some key points about hepatitis. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.</p>
<ul>
<li>The five main types of hepatitis are caused by viruses.</li>
<li>Globally, around 250 million people are affected by <a class="keywords" title="Hepatitis C: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments" href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/294705.php">hepatitis C</a> and 300 million people are estimated to be <a class="keywords" title="Hepatitis B: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment" href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306288.php">hepatitis B</a> carriers.</li>
<li>Hepatitis A is caused by consuming contaminated food or water.</li>
<li>Hepatitis B is a <a class="keywords" title="Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Types, Symptoms" href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246491.php">sexually transmitted disease</a>.</li>
<li>Hepatitis C is commonly spread via direct contact with the blood of a person who has the disease.</li>
<li>A person can only become infected with hepatitis D if they are already infected with hepatitis B.</li>
<li>Person can become infected with the hepatitis E virus (HEV) by drinking contaminated water.</li>
<li>Hepatitis that cannot be attributed to one of the viral forms of the disease is called hepatitis X.</li>
<li>Hepatitis G is another type of hepatitis caused by a specific virus (HGV).</li>
<li>The initial symptoms of hepatitis are similar to those of <a class="keywords" title="Influenza (Flu): Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment" href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15107.php">flu</a>.</li>
</ul>