Damage can develop immediately after exposure or as long as 6 months later. In some cases, if the toxic substance is discontinued, the liver will recover. In other cases, the damage is permanent. Acute Hepatitis Acute hepatitis usually starts with a flu-like illness. Symptoms can include fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, and muscle aches.
Some people have pain in the upper part of the abdomen and itchy skin.
People with acute hepatitis also usually have high levels of 2 liver enzymes in their blood. The flu-like symptoms usually disappear in a few weeks. After that, some people with hepatitis develop jaundice , or yellowing of their skin and the whites of their eyes. Jaundice is a sign that the liver is not working properly. Most people with acute hepatitis enter a recovery period that can last from 2 to 12 weeks or longer.