Hepatitis is transmitted from several different viruses, and classified by Hepatitis strains A, B, C, D, and E. All strains attack the liver, and because millions don’t know they have this highly infectious virus, small outbreaks happen all the time.

Hep A and E are the only two that have a short-term lifespan, although Hep E can cause serious problems for pregnant women. Each classification is transmitted differently, but the transmission of Hep B and C is similar.

Hepatitis A is usually caused by contact with a food or water source contaminated by feces infected by hepatitis A (HAV) virus.

Hepatitis B and C are both transmitted when contact is made with infected body fluids. This could be contact with infected blood, vaginal secretions, or semen. Hep C, however, is more commonly spread through blood-to-blood contact. Both can be transmitted through sexual contact and shared dirty needles, but this transmission is more common with Hep B.

Hepatitis D, also called delta hepatitis, is the most serious strain of hepatitis. Hepatitis D is transmitted from blood-to-blood contact only and must have Hepatitis B present in order to grow. Because hepatitis D infects in conjunction with hepatitis B (HBV), the hep D fatality rate is 20%.

Hepatitis E develops after contact with the Hepatitis E (HEV) virus. This virus is transmitted in poorly sanitized areas that have infected fecal matter in water. Unknowingly drinking this contaminated water will lead to the infection of this virus.

Hepatitis has to be treated properly, depending on the strain and spread of the situation. To read more on proper disinfection procedures after suspected exposure, please read more here.

You’ve probably heard of HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus. Since the early 1980s, HIV has been infecting those that share dirty needles or practice unprotected sex with an infected partner.

The dangerous thing about this virus is that it attacks the body’s immune system while disguising itself as a blood cell. Left untreated, the virus damages the immune system to the point of AIDs. AIDs is an incurable disease that leaves the body severely vulnerable to further infections.

Influenza, or the flu, is often spread by respiratory droplets, but contact with a contaminated surface, skin-to-skin contact, and contact with infected saliva are additional methods of transmission. Flu symptoms are sometimes confused with colds, but flu symptoms are usually more abrupt.

Flu symptoms can also be potentially life-threatening. This is because when influenza attacks the respiratory tract of immunocompromised people, they are even more susceptible to developing serious respiratory complications such as pneumonia.