The decision to test for acute or chronic hepatitis depends on the patient's clinical characteristics as well as the timing of their symptoms. Acute hepatitis is the sudden onset of signs and symptoms that last less than 6 months. Usually, it presents the following: Jaundice Fatigue Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Chronic Hepatitis lasts more than 6 months and usually is caused by hepatitis B or C viruses. Usually, no symptoms are present until severe consequences appear. Signs of alarm include: Elevated liver enzymes Liver damage over time Cirrhosis