Although hepatitis A is seldom serious, in one percent of the cases it can cause severe liver failure and death. It does not cause chronic hepatitis and will not lead to cirrhosis or other long-term liver problems. Hepatitis B , formerly known as serum hepatitis, is found in blood and other body fluids such as urine, tears, semen, breast milk, and vaginal secretions. It is usually transmitted in blood, via transfusions, or through illicit injectable-drug use. But it also can be contracted through a minor cut or abrasion, or during such everyday acts as toothbrushing, kissing, or having sex.
Infants can contract the disease from the mother at birth, or from the mother's breast milk.
It affects approximately 170,000 Americans each year. Viral hepatitis may produce no symptoms at all. When they occur in type A, they usually begin suddenly and last for several weeks. This period is followed by a convalescent phase of anywhere from two to 12 weeks. Symptoms of viral hepatitis mimic the flu and include mild fever, fatigue, nausea, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, vomiting, occasional diarrhea, and vague abdominal pain.