Transmission of the hepatitis A virus is possible e.g. by way of contaminated water or food in warmer countries with lower sanitary standards („Travel hepatitis“). Another possibility is the joint use of syringes and other equipment when consuming drugs as well as anal-oral transmission (anus to mouth or anus to finger to mouth).

Typical complaints are flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, head, muscle or joint ache, fever, nausea, vomiting and stomach pains, a feeling of pressure under the right costal arch and an aversion to fatty food and alcohol. In the further course of the disease, a so-called jaundice may develop (yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, dark urine, discolored stools and itching).

The hepatitis B virus is easily transmissible, it can be transferred during sexual intercourse or via jointly used syringes and equipment when consuming drugs.

Often, only mild symptoms are noted or even none at all. Two to three months after infection, the infected patient may feel flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle and joint aches, as well as pains in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting and skin alterations. In the further course of the disease, a so-called jaundice may develop (yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, dark urine, discolored stools and itching). 

The hepatitis C Virus is mainly transmitted via blood, for example through jointly used syringes or equipment when using drugs. In some cases, the virus may also be transmitted sexually. This mainly concerns men having sex with men. Symptoms of chronic hepatitis C infection may be very unspecific such as fatigue, pains in the upper abdomen, concentration disorders, itching and joint aches. If untreated, the chronic hepatitis C infection may well lead to a cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.

Causes for a hepatitis C test are above all

• Preceding joint use of equipment for intravenous use of drugs (syringes, needles, filter, spoons, water, etc.)
• Preceding joint use of equipment for the use of nasal or inhaled drugs (snorting utensils, pipes)
• Tattoos and piercings done with non-sterile devices
• Preceding joint use of sex toys, lubricant jars and gloves (fisting) 
• Occasionally: preceding sex without condom. This applies mainly to men having sex with men. The infection risk is higher for sexual practices that involve the risk of being injured.