Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis
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- Hepatitis A —This infection may or may not cause symptoms. Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children. Incubation is from 15-45 days. Hepatitis A does not progress to chronic liver disease.
- Hepatitis B —With this form of hepatitis, 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 —About 80% of 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 from 15-60 days.
Symptoms common to all types of viral hepatitis include:
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ .
Hepatitis Information Network website. Available at: http://www.hepnet.com/ .
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed January 2010 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
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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