Often, people infected with hepatitis have no symptoms — even when the disease has been in their bodies for years. If symptoms are present, they may be vague: fatigue, tiredness, loss of appetite, or stomach pain. Only in rare cases do patients have the yellowing of skin or eyes (called "jaundice") that is associated with hepatitis. Therefore, it is important to get tested if you think you are at risk of getting hepatitis, or if you have come into contact with an infected person or object.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A
Some people with hepatitis A may not have any symptoms, especially children under 2 years old. But some infected individuals experience severe flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, violent vomiting, and pain in the liver area. Less common symptoms include dark urine, light-colored stools, and fever. Most people recover within 6 months.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
Some people with hepatitis B have no outward signs or symptoms. But others experience flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, weakness, and mild abdominal pain. Less common symptoms include dark urine and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). The only way the disease can be positively identified is through a blood test.
Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Most people with hepatitis C have no outward signs or symptoms. But some people experience flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fever, weakness, and mild abdominal pain. Less common symptoms include dark urine and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). As with hepatitis B, the only way to positively identify the disease is through a blood test.
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