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Symptoms
In
those who develop symptomatic hepatitis A, flu-like
symptoms, such as fever, chills, and a general feeling
of weakness, may occur. Other symptoms may include
anorexia, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes
and skin), dark urine, light-colored stools, abdominal
pain, and fatigue.
Although hepatitis A does not result in chronic
infection, complete recovery from hepatitis A
can be slow. In children, especially in those
younger than 6 years of age, there are often no
symptoms.4 Adult patients with hepatitis A may
be quite ill for at least a month, and full recovery
can take up to 6 months. Up to 20% may have a
relapse of the disease and may be impaired for
as long as 15 months. In addition, it is estimated
that 15% of patients require hospitalization for
hepatitis A.
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