Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis has many possible causes, but it commonly occurs due to a virus. Viral hepatitis is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. At least five different viruses can cause hepatitis:
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV)
- Hepatitis B virus
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
- Hepatitis D virus
- Hepatitis E virus
These viruses have similar symptoms. Some forms of the virus can become chronic and lead to life-threatening complications. Other symptoms resolve without any specific treatment.
The most common types of hepatitis are HAV and HCV. HAV is the most common form of viral hepatitis. About 1.5 million people contract HAV each year globally. About 130-150 million people worldwide are living with HCV.
These two types of hepatitis have things in common, but they also have distinct differences.
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What are the Common Symptoms of HAV and HCV?
HAV has an incubation period of 15-50 days. In most cases, the symptoms begin around the 30th day. HCV has an incubation period of 14-80 days, but the symptoms become noticeable after about 45 days on average.
The symptoms of hepatitis A and C are similar. They include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Joint pain
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
HAV causes a minor infection. The symptoms may last a few weeks or months but
