Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A may or may not cause symptoms. Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children. Incubation is 15-45 days. Hepatitis A does not progress to chronic liver disease.

Hepatitis B

With hepatitis B , symptoms usually appear within 25-180 days following exposure to the virus. Hepatitis B may progress to carrier state or chronic liver disease.

Hepatitis C

Most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms. Over time, however, the disease can cause serious liver damage. Hepatitis C may progress to chronic hepatitis. Incubation is 15-60 days.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms common to all types of viral hepatitis include:

Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Aches and pains
Headache
Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
Darker-colored urine
Lighter-colored stool
Itching
Rash

References

Viral hepatitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Available at: http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/hepatitis/index.asp . Updated October 15, 2010. Accessed January 19, 2011.

What I need to know about Hepatitis B. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepb%5Fez/index.htm . Published April 2009. Accessed January 19, 2011.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Daus Mahnke, MD
Review Date: 03/2013
Update Date: 00/31/2013

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.