Hepatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the liver. There are different types of hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, and C.

While some types of hepatitis can be prevented through vaccination, others can spread easily through contaminated food and water or blood-to-blood contact.

Common Symptoms of Hepatitis

Many people with hepatitis experience flu-like symptoms, such as:.

Fever
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Stomach pain
Dark urine
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

These symptoms can appear soon after infection with hepatitis, or they can take several weeks to develop. In some cases, hepatitis does not cause any symptoms at all.

Signs of More Serious Hepatitis

While hepatitis can be mild and self-limiting, some cases can lead to more serious liver damage. Signs of more serious hepatitis include:.

Abdominal swelling and fluid buildup
Mental confusion
Bruising and bleeding easily
Severe itching
Drowsiness
Coma

If you experience any of these signs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Hepatitis A Symptoms

Hepatitis A is a type of hepatitis that is spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms of hepatitis A include:.

Fever
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

These symptoms can last for several weeks, but most people recover completely without treatment.

Hepatitis B Symptoms

Hepatitis B is a type of hepatitis that is spread through blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles or having unprotected sex. Symptoms of hepatitis B include:.

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Dark urine
Abdominal pain
Fever
Fatigue

Hepatitis B can lead to long-term liver damage and even liver cancer, so it is important to get tested if you think you may have been exposed to this virus.

Hepatitis C Symptoms

Hepatitis C is a type of hepatitis that is also spread through blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles or having unprotected sex. Symptoms of hepatitis C can be mild and may not appear for many years. They include:.

Fatigue
Muscle and joint pain
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Jaundice (in rare cases)

Many people with hepatitis C do not know they have it, so it is important to get tested if you think you may have been exposed to this virus.

Preventing Hepatitis

There are several steps you can take to prevent hepatitis:.

Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
Practice safe sex, including using condoms and limiting your number of sexual partners
Avoid sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes
Ensure that any tattoos or piercings are done in a sterile environment
Practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and avoiding contaminated food and water

If you have hepatitis, it is important to take steps to protect your liver, such as avoiding alcohol and certain medications that can damage the liver. Your doctor can provide guidance on how to manage your specific type of hepatitis.