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.
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.
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.
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
Last reviewed March 2013 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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