Health Corner
Hepatitis symptoms | Exploring the six major types of hepatitis
What is hepatitis? Are there different types?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by infectious viruses. It can also result from viral infection, chemical exposure, drug abuse, certain medications, or immune system disorders.
At least six different types of hepatitis viruses have been identified: A, B, C, D, E, and G.
Most viral hepatitis cases are acute, but hepatitis B and C can become chronic, turning patients into long-term carriers.
Hepatitis A
A type of viral hepatitis that usually causes acute hepatitis and jaundice. Most patients recover completely, but in rare cases it can lead to liver failure or death.
Hepatitis B
A viral infection that may cause both acute and chronic hepatitis, and may develop into chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis C
An RNA virus that damages the liver. Some carriers of hepatitis C develop chronic hepatitis that scars the liver and may progress to liver cancer, similar to hepatitis B.
Hepatitis D
A virus that cannot replicate on its own and depends on the hepatitis B virus to reproduce within human cells. Therefore, individuals with hepatitis D are also infected with hepatitis B.
The mode of transmission is the same as that of hepatitis B. One can be co-infected with both viruses simultaneously or infected with hepatitis D after becoming a chronic carrier of hepatitis B. Co-infection increases the risk of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Hepatitis E
A viral hepatitis caused by the hepatitis E virus, most commonly affecting adults. Pregnant women face higher risks of severe complications.
The virus spreads through the digestive tract via contaminated food or water, particularly raw or undercooked shellfish polluted by feces from infected individuals. Person-to-person transmission is much less common than with hepatitis A.
Hepatitis G
A newly discovered virus whose severity and prevalence in Hong Kong have yet to be determined.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis?
Most patients with hepatitis have no obvious symptoms. The symptoms and incubation periods of various types of hepatitis are listed below.
| Type | Symptoms | Incubation Period |
| Hepatitis A | Early stage: flu-like symptoms such as mild fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal discomfort, constipation, or diarrhea. Later stage: yellowing of skin and eyes, tea-colored urine. | 2–6 weeks |
| Hepatitis B | Similar to hepatitis A, may include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. | 6 weeks–6 months |
| Hepatitis C | Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), tiredness, abdominal discomfort, and dark urine. | 15–60 days (average 40 days) |
| Hepatitis D | Loss of appetite, nausea, pain in the right upper abdomen, jaundice, liver enlargement. | Not specified |
| Hepatitis E | Jaundice, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, dark urine (tea-colored). | 15–60 days (average 40 days) |
| Hepatitis G | General hepatitis symptoms: loss of appetite, nausea, right upper abdominal pain, jaundice, enlarged liver, tenderness in the liver area. | Not specified |
Once diagnosed, patients should pay attention to maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
Avoid alcohol and smoking, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get enough rest, and avoid taking non-prescribed medications that could harm the liver.
| Type | Treatment |
| Hepatitis A | No specific treatment, but some measures may help recovery: avoid drinking alcohol, get plenty of rest, drink adequate water, maintain good personal hygiene to prevent fecal–oral transmission, and take prescribed medication if symptoms worsen. |
| Hepatitis B | Take antiviral medication to suppress viral replication and relieve symptoms. |
| Hepatitis C | Take antiviral medication to suppress viral replication, avoid alcohol, and have regular liver check-ups. |
| Hepatitis D | No effective treatment currently available. |
| Hepatitis E | Most patients recover after 3–6 weeks of supportive treatment and rest. |
| Hepatitis G | No effective treatment currently available. |
To prevent viral hepatitis, avoid high-risk behaviors.
To reduce the risk of hepatitis A and E:
-
Eat thoroughly cooked food, especially seafood.
-
Avoid food sold by unlicensed vendors or hawkers.
-
Wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling food, before eating, and after using the toilet.
To reduce the risk of hepatitis B and C:
-
Practice safe sex (use condoms correctly).
-
Do not share syringes, sharp objects (like razors), or personal items (like toothbrushes).
-
Handle sharp instruments with care to prevent needle-stick injury.
-
Treat wounds properly.
-
Ensure all reusable instruments are completely sterilized.
Do I need a hepatitis vaccine?
Since 1988, the Hong Kong government has provided free hepatitis B vaccinations for children under six years old.
If you want to know whether you need a hepatitis A or B vaccination, consult your doctor for professional advice.
