Infectious Hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, and C)

Infectious hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver caused by viruses such as Hepatitis A virus (HAV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C virus (HCV). These infections affect people differently; some cause short-term illness, while others lead to chronic liver disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to protect liver health and prevent long-term complications.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our infectious disease specialists offer expert testing, modern antiviral therapies, and long-term monitoring to help patients manage and recover from viral hepatitis.

Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation

Not everyone with viral hepatitis has symptoms. Some people feel well for months or even years before abnormalities appear on routine bloodwork. Others develop symptoms quickly.

Common symptoms of hepatitis may include:

• Fatigue or low energy
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Abdominal discomfort or pain on the right side
• Dark urine (tea-colored)
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Mild fever or joint aches

Differences Between Hepatitis Types

• Hepatitis A virus (HAV): Short-term infection usually spreads through contaminated food or water. Does not cause chronic liver damage.
• Hepatitis B virus (HBV): Spread through blood or body fluids. It can cause either short-term illness or chronic infection.
• Hepatitis C virus (HCV): Usually spread through blood exposure. Most cases become chronic without treatment.

Evaluation

During your visit, your specialist will:

• Review symptoms, exposures, travel history, and vaccination status
• Ask about alcohol use, medications, and supplements that may affect the liver
• Perform a physical exam focusing on abdominal and liver tenderness
• Provide education, reassurance, and a step-by-step explanation of the next steps

Patients often feel anxious when hepatitis is suspected—we prioritize calm, supportive communication.

Diagnosis & Risk Assessment

Diagnosis is confirmed through blood tests that identify the specific virus and assess liver health.

Testing may include:

• Liver function tests (LFTs): Measure inflammation and liver injury
• HAV IgM testing: Confirms recent Hepatitis A virus infection
• HBV surface antigen and antibody panel: Identifies acute or chronic Hepatitis B virus infection
• HCV antibody test and HCV RNA PCR: Confirms Hepatitis C virus infection
• Ultrasound: Evaluates liver structure and checks for scarring
• Fibrosis assessment (FibroScan or specialized blood tests) to determine liver stiffness or early cirrhosis

Risk Assessment Includes Evaluating:

• Whether the infection is acute or chronic
• Amount of liver inflammation
• Presence of fibrosis or cirrhosis
• Immune system status
• Co-infections such as HIV or hepatitis B/C coinfection
• Alcohol use, medications, or metabolic liver conditions

These details help guide the urgency of treatment and long-term management.

Treatment & Management

Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis and the severity of infection.

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)

• Managed with supportive care only
• Most patients fully recover within weeks
• Vaccination prevents future infection

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

• Treatment may include antiviral medications such as tenofovir or entecavir
• Monitoring liver inflammation and viral load
• Screening for liver cancer in chronic infection
• Vaccination for household contacts

Not all patients need antiviral therapy immediately—your specialist will determine the best timing.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

• Modern treatment for HCV is highly effective: Direct-acting antiviral medications (DAAs) cure more than 95% of patients
• Treatment typically lasts 8–12 weeks
• Options are safe, well-tolerated, and taken once daily

Your infectious disease care team will create a plan tailored to your liver status, insurance coverage, and personal needs.

General Supportive Care

• Avoiding alcohol
• Adjusting medications that stress the liver
• Ensuring safe use of acetaminophen
• Managing nausea, fatigue, or abdominal discomfort
• Treating complications such as fluid retention or confusion in advanced cases

Our specialists coordinate closely with hepatology (specialists in liver diseases) when needed.

Monitoring & Follow-Up

Follow-up frequency depends on the type of hepatitis and whether the infection is chronic or cured. Your provider will:

• Recheck liver function tests
• Monitor viral load to assess treatment response
• Evaluate for long-term complications
• Continue surveillance for liver cancer when recommended (especially for chronic hepatitis B or cirrhosis)
• Provide vaccine counseling and prevention guidance

Many patients with hepatitis C are officially cured after treatment, requiring only occasional long-term monitoring.

Prognosis & Preventive Care

With modern therapies, most patients recover completely or achieve strong long-term control of their condition.

Prevention strategies include:

• Hepatitis A and B vaccination
• Safe food and water practices when traveling
• Avoiding needle sharing or unsterile tattoo/piercing equipment
• Practicing safe sex
• Not sharing razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers
• Avoiding alcohol and certain medications that strain the liver

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, we help patients protect their liver health and prevent reinfection or progression.