Viral hepatitis is an infection of the liver caused by a virus that attacks liver cells. The resulting inflammation may impair the liver's ability to aid in digestion of food and to remove toxins from the blood.
Symptoms range from mild to severe.
Infrequently, acute infections can be fatal. There are several types of viral hepatitis, called A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Of all types of hepatitis, A, B and C are most common in the U.S. and so will be described below. May be asymptomatic. Complete recovery, without chronic liver disease, is usual. A blood test is available, but it is not useful unless initial symptoms develop.