The Different Types of Hepatitis A and B Immunizations

8. Symptoms

Symptoms of hepatitis A may take up to two weeks before they arise. They include jaundice, loss of appetite, dark urine, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Hepatitis B symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as joint pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Other symptoms may include a yellow tint to the eyes and skin, dark urine, and clay-colored bowel movements. Symptoms may last anywhere from a few weeks to six months. The average person will start showing signs up to ninety days after exposure to the hepatitis virus.

7. Diagnosis

Three types of blood tests can be used to determine if a hepatitis infection is present: genetic material such as DNA or RNA, antibodies to the hepatitis virus, and liver enzymes. The most common type of blood test is testing for the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT). These enzymes are normally stored in the liver cells. When hepatitis is present, the liver cells secrete these enzymes into the blood to signal that the liver needs help.