What is hepatitis, and how can it be transmitted?

I found out from a new friend that I have that she has hepatitis. What is this from? How do you get it, and is it spreadable?

There are several types of hepatitis, A, B, C, and some new strains following. A can be contacted orally usually by eating raw seafood (oysters) and not too serious. B can be contracted through blood and sexual contact, and is serious long term liver desease. C is even more serious and usually can only be contracted through blood contact. All are infectious to the liver. You can get complete information at american liver association on the web.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver and there are different causes:

Hepatitis A - Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is found in the feces of people with hepatitis A and is usually spread by close personal contact (including sex or sharing a household). It can also be spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated with HAV

Hepatitis B - HBV is found in blood and certain body fluids. It is spread when blood or body fluid from an infected person enters the body of a person who is not immune. HBV is spread through having unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing needles or "works" when "shooting" drugs, needlesticks or sharps exposures on the job, or from an infected mother to her baby during birth. Exposure to infected blood in ANY situation can be a risk for transmission.

Hepatitis C - HCV is found in blood and certain body fluids. It is spread when blood or body fluid from an infected person enters another person's body. HCV is spread through sharing needles or "works" when "shooting" drugs, through needlesticks or sharps exposures on the job, or sometimes from an infected mother to her baby during birth. It is possible to transmit HCV during sex, but it is uncommon.
a liver disease, from contact with someone who had it.
hepatitis is a virus that affects the liver. hepaititis is very contageous. the virus is in the blood and excretions of an infected person. basically don't share anything from toothbrushes to razor blades with someone with hepatitis. here is the cdc page --
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepat...