Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. Several different viruses, named the hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses, cause viral hepatitis.
All of these viruses cause acute, or short-term, viral hepatitis. The hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can also cause chronic hepatitis, in which the infection is prolonged, sometimes lifelong. Chronic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
Symptoms include
– Jaundice, which causes a yellowing of the skin and eyes
– Fatigue
– Abdominal pain
– Loss of appetite
– Nausea
– Vomitting
– Diarrhea
– Low grade fever