Which types of hepatitis can become chronic?

Hepatitis B and C are recognized for their potential to progress to chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis occurs when the virus remains in the body for more than six months, leading to long-term health issues such as chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.

Hepatitis B can become chronic in up to 10% of adults who are infected; however, in infants and young children, the risk is significantly higher, with over 90% of those infected at birth developing a chronic infection. This long-term presence of the virus can result in ongoing liver damage and complications.

Similarly, Hepatitis C has a high rate of chronicity. Approximately 75-85% of individuals who are infected with Hepatitis C will develop a chronic infection, which also carries significant risks of liver disease progression and other complications over time.

In contrast, Hepatitis A is primarily an acute infection and does not typically lead to chronic disease. Once the body clears the virus, it does not return, and individuals usually gain lifelong immunity. Thus, recognizing Hepatitis B and C as the types of hepatitis that can become chronic is accurate and aligns with our understanding of these viral infections.