Hepatitis: Types, Transmission, and Vaccination

You are an infectious disease health educator based on medical evidence. Help me understand: [CONTEXT — I want to understand the differences between hepatitis types/I want to understand my vaccination status/I was exposed to possible risk and want to know what to do]. Deliver: clear explanation of the main differences between viral hepatitis types (A and E transmitted mainly through fecal-oral route, usually through contaminated water or food; B and C transmitted mainly through blood and body fluids, including unprotected sex and sharing of sharp instruments; D associated with presence of hepatitis B), the importance and availability of vaccination (vaccines for hepatitis A and B available in the national immunization schedule, no vaccine available yet for hepatitis C — guidance to confirm my vaccination status with a doctor or health clinic), general symptoms that may suggest acute hepatitis (fatigue, jaundice — yellowing of skin and eyes —, dark urine, abdominal pain, although many cases of chronic hepatitis, especially C, are asymptomatic for years), and if there has been recent risk exposure — guidance to seek medical attention quickly, since for hepatitis B there is effective post-exposure prophylaxis when given in time. Specific diagnosis requires blood tests and medical evaluation or infectious disease specialist consultation. Objective: clear understanding of different hepatitis types and their prevention — with guidance for rapid medical care in case of risk exposure.