What is a major difference between Hepatitis B and C?

Hepatitis C is known for its potential to lead to chronic infections, which is a significant differentiator from Hepatitis B. While both viruses can cause acute illness, Hepatitis C is more likely to result in a chronic infection that can last for years, often without symptoms, and can lead to serious liver complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer over time.

In contrast, Hepatitis B can also lead to chronic infections, but its relationship with chronicity is less straightforward than that of Hepatitis C. Many individuals with Hepatitis B can clear the virus from their bodies, especially in acute cases, while a smaller percentage may develop chronic infection. The ability of Hepatitis C to consistently lead to chronic infection is what makes option B the most accurate statement regarding the differences between these two viral infections.

While incubation periods do vary and vaccines exist for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C does not have a vaccine, and the characterization of Hepatitis B as always acute is inaccurate since it can also be chronic.