Hepatitis is a contagious disease mainly caused by a viral infection, although there are other possible causes, and it results in the inflammation of the liver. There exists different strain of hepatitis, which include hepatitis type A, type B, type C, and type D. The most common strain of hepatitis is type A. While hepatitis type A is a short term infection, hepatitis type B and C are usually longer-term or chronic infections.

A person can get hepatitis type B and at the same time, be infected with type C. You are likely to get hepatitis type A by consuming contaminated food or water from close contact with a person or object that is infected. According to a report from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 4.4 million Americans are currently diagnosed with hepatitis type B, and C. Treatment options vary depending on the type of hepatitis strain you have. Some hepatitis can be controlled through immunization and practicing good hygiene.

Today, we are going to discuss the early warning signs and symptoms of hepatitis type A, B, and C:

1. Hepatitis type A

It is caused by an infection known as hepatitis A virus. Symptoms are generally mild, and it’s not everyone with hepatitis type A develops them. If you do, the signs and symptoms can include:

• Fatigue

• Sudden nausea and vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Dark urine

• Intense itching

• Joint pain

• Yellowing of the skin and the white part of the eyes

These symptoms might last for two to three days and disappear. However, hepatitis type A can result in a more severe infection that can last for several months.

2. Hepatitis B

It is caused by the Hepatitis B virus. To some people, Hepatitis type B may develop to a chronic level. Many adults with hepatitis type B recovers fully, regardless of the severity of the symptoms. Signs and symptoms of hepatitis type B usually appear one to four months after you have been infected, although it’s possible to see them two to three weeks post-infection. Some of the common signs associated with hepatitis type B include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Yellowing of your skin and the whites of the eyes

• Abdominal pains

• Fever

• Weakness and fatigue

• Loss of appetite

3. Hepatitis C

Hepatitis type C is considered the most serious virus among hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis type C can be coursed as either acute hepatitis type C or chronic hepatitis type C. The duration of time you will experience symptoms will depend on the type you have. While the symptoms of acute hepatitis type C are more short term lasting for less than six months, you can have chronic hepatitis type C for the rest of your life as it is difficult for the body to get rid of the virus. According to the CDC, approximately 80 percent of those with acute hepatitis type C won’t experience symptoms. In a few cases, people experience symptoms not long after infection. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and they might include:

• Fever – experiencing higher body temperature than normal

• Reduced appetite – having a decreased desire to eat

• Jaundice – yellowing of skin and eyes

4. When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you suspect some of the above signs and symptoms. Having an immunization vaccine or immunoglobulin as soon as you get exposed may protect you from experiencing severe infections.