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Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis

Most people do not have symptoms with certain types of hepatitis. In those that have them, they can range from mild to severe. Symptoms also differ by the type of hepatitis.

The most common are:

  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of hunger or weight
  • Feeling very tired
  • Fever
  • Pain in upper right part of the belly that worsens
  • Itching skin
  • Joint pain
  • Darker urine
  • Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes—jaundice

Acute hepatitis happens in stages and will go away on its own. But this can take weeks to months.

Chronic hepatitis lasts more than 6 months. Symptoms are not present in most people. As liver damage gets worse, these may appear:

  • Any symptoms listed above
  • Fluid buildup in the belly or legs
  • Skin rashes with red, raised bumps—including acne or hives
  • Muscle and joint aches
  • Changes to stools (poop), such as:
    • Clay-colored stool
    • Stools with excess fat
  • More body hair
  • Monthly periods stop

References

  • Acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-hepatitis-b-virus-hbv-infection. Accessed May 3, 2022.
  • Acute hepatitis C infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-hepatitis-c-infection. Accessed May 3, 2022.
  • Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-hepatitis-b-virus-hbv-infection. Accessed May 3, 2022.
  • Chronic hepatitis C infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-hepatitis-c-infection. Accessed May 3, 2022.
  • Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hepatitis-a-virus-hav-infection. Accessed May 3, 2022.
  • Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hepatitis-d-virus-hdv-infection. Accessed May 3, 2022.
  • Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hepatitis-e-virus-hev-infection. Accessed May 3, 2022.
  • Overview of acute viral hepatitis. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/hepatitis/overview-of-acute-viral-hepatitis. Accessed May 3, 2022.
  • Overview of chronic hepatitis. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/hepatitis/overview-of-chronic-hepatitis. Accessed May 3, 2022.

Contributors

  • David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated:
2022-02-03

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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.