The different kinds of viral hepatitis Are spread in different ways and have different symptoms. A virus is spread by direct or indirect contact with fecal material. Exposure to hepatitis A is common amongst children, travelers in developing countries, and is extremely common amongst gay men, particularly in New York City. There is no known danger of transmitting hepatitis A through pregnancy. Usually when children get hepatitis A, they have no symptoms.
Symptoms can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, achiness, fatigue and loss of appetite.
A blood test will reveal that liver function tests are abnormally high. Abdominal pain or tenderness is often experienced. Jaundice will often occur, causing a temporary yellowing of the skin and eyes, a darkening of the urine and lightening of the stool. Symptoms usually end after two weeks, but continued rest is very important to avoid a relapse. Once you have had hepatitis A, it is very unusual to get it again.