The skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow, and the urine is dark-colored. The person often feels somewhat better once the jaundice appears, but may still feel weak and tired. The jaundice may last from one to four weeks. The symptoms of all forms of viral hepatitis are similar. However, the symptoms of hepatitis caused by hepatitis B take longer to develop, generally last longer, and are more severe.
Viral hepatitis can be fatal.
All types, except that caused by hepatitis A, can become chronic. The viruses are transmitted in different ways. Hepatitis A is contracted by drinking water or eating food contaminated by the feces of an infected person. Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D are usually spread by blood products or by contaminated hypodermic needles shared by drug users. These viruses are also spread by sexual contact.