What are the symptoms of viral hepatitis?

Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
Updated on April 30, 2025
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Viral hepatitis, if obvious clinical symptoms occur, usually indicates significant liver dysfunction. The symptoms are mainly related to the condition of liver function. If liver function is significantly abnormal, there will be noticeable clinical symptoms. If liver function is relatively normal, there generally won't be clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include fatigue, aversion to oil, nausea, abdominal bloating, poor appetite, jaundice of skin and mucous membranes, and a range of other symptoms. Some patients may also experience fever during the acute phase.

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How to prevent viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is a class of diseases that specifically includes five types: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E. Each type has a different mode of transmission, hence the prevention methods vary for each. Specifically, hepatitis A and E are transmitted via the fecal-oral route, meaning the disease is mainly spread through consuming water and cold foods contaminated with the viruses, and foods that have not been fully cooked, leading to infection. Hepatitis B and C, on the other hand, are mainly transmitted through blood and sexual contact. Prevention of hepatitis B and C involves avoiding contact with blood products from infected individuals and unsafe sexual practices.

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Can viral hepatitis cause diarrhea?

Patients with viral hepatitis, due to abnormal liver function, may experience symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating after eating. Generally, viral hepatitis does not cause diarrhea. However, for some patients with viral hepatitis, there may be a yellowing of the urine and a whitening of the stool color. This condition may be due to symptoms caused by bile stasis. Therefore, for patients with viral hepatitis, diarrhea is generally not expected, but changes in the color and characteristics of the stool may occur. If a patient with viral hepatitis experiences symptoms like yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, especially if the stool color becomes white, it is important to seek timely medical attention, as jaundice may be present.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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How does viral hepatitis spread?

Different types of viral hepatitis have distinct characteristics and are transmitted in different ways. Common types include hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A and E are primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route via the digestive tract. Hepatitis B and C are mainly transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child; general social contact does not typically result in infection. In terms of prevention, vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
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How long can viral hepatitis last?

The lifespan of someone with viral hepatitis is closely linked to the severity of their condition and also greatly depends on the patient's own actions. There are many influencing factors, and it is not possible to generalize. If the patient adheres to conventional treatment, regular check-ups, rests adequately, maintains a sensible diet, and abstains from alcohol, most conditions can be effectively managed, significantly reducing the chances of the disease progressing further. Therefore, patients need not worry excessively; maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude can further aid in recovery from the disease.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Is viral hepatitis airborne?

Viral hepatitis cannot be transmitted through the air, and different types of viral hepatitis are transmitted through different routes and have different clinical symptoms. The characteristics of the disease vary; for example, hepatitis A and hepatitis E are primarily transmitted through the digestive tract, via the fecal-oral route. This typically occurs after consuming food or water contaminated with hepatitis A or E virus. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses are mainly transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child, with mother-to-child transmission being the most significant route.