Symptoms of Hepatitis B and C
Many people with hepatitis B or C don’t show symptoms for many years, especially during the early stages of infection. However, if symptoms do occur, they can range from mild to severe.
- Hepatitis B Symptoms:
- Acute infection: Fatigue, abdominal pain (especially in the upper right side), dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
- Chronic infection: Chronic hepatitis B may not cause noticeable symptoms until significant liver damage occurs (cirrhosis or liver cancer). If symptoms appear, they may mirror those of acute infection.
- Hepatitis C Symptoms:
- Acute infection: Most people with hepatitis C do not have symptoms during the early stage. If symptoms do occur, they may include fatigue, nausea, muscle pain, joint pain, and jaundice.
- Chronic infection: As with hepatitis B, many people with chronic hepatitis C don’t experience symptoms for years. Over time, symptoms such as abdominal pain, swelling (ascites), dark urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes may occur due to cirrhosis or liver failure.
