A clinical review of viral hepatitis.

Viral hepatitis remains a significant public health problem in the United States, despite advances in antiviral therapy and effective vaccines. According to the CDC, about 20,000 deaths each year are attributed to viral hepatitis, and 5 million people are chronically infected and at risk for serious liver disease and hepatocellular cancer. This article reviews the three most common causes of viral hepatitis, screening guidelines, clinical features, medical management, approaches for primary prevention, and the natural history of untreated disease.