Viral Hepatitis Comparison Chart
HAV (Hep A)
fatigue, nausea,
vomiting, abdominal
pain, loss of appetite,
dark urine, claycolored stool, jaundice
(yellowing of the skin
and eyes), and flu-like
symptoms.
HBV (Hep B)
Signs & Symptoms
fatigue, fever, loss of
appetite, nausea,
vomiting, abdominal
pain, dark urine, claycolored stool, joint
pain, jaundice, and
potentially liver
damage. Some
individuals may not
experience any
symptoms. In chronic
HBV infection,
symptoms may not be
present for an
extended period, but
liver damage may
occur over time.
Mode(s) of
primarily transmitted
transmitted through
Transmission/common through the fecal-oral
infected blood, semen,
causes
route. It can occur
vaginal secretions, and
through consuming
other body fluids.
contaminated food or
Common modes of
water, close personal
transmission include
contact with an
sexual contact, sharing
infected individual, or
needles or other drug
through sexual contact. paraphernalia, motherto-child transmission
during childbirth, or
accidental exposure in
healthcare settings.
HCV (Hep C)
Many people with
acute HCV infection do
not exhibit symptoms.
However, if present,
symptoms may include
fatigue, fever,
abdominal pain, loss of
appetite, nausea,
vomiting, dark urine,
clay-colored stool, joint
pain, and jaundice.
Chronic HCV infection
can lead to long-term
liver damage, cirrhosis,
and potentially liver
cancer.
HDV (Hep D)
like HBV and may
include fatigue, joint
pain, abdominal pain,
jaundice, loss of
appetite, nausea, and
vomiting. HDV
infection only occurs
in individuals who are
already infected with
HBV.
HEV (Hep E)
fatigue, fever, loss of
appetite, nausea,
vomiting, abdominal
pain, dark urine, claycolored stool, joint
pain, and jaundice. HEV
infection is generally
acute and self-limiting,
but it can be more
severe in pregnant
women and individuals
with pre-existing liver
disease.
mainly transmitted
through blood-toblood contact. This can
occur through sharing
needles or other drug
paraphernalia,
receiving a blood
transfusion or organ
transplant from an
infected donor (prior
to screening),
needlestick injuries in
healthcare settings, or
certain high-risk sexual
practices
HDV is an incomplete
virus that requires HBV
to replicate. It is
transmitted in a similar
way to HBV, primarily
through infected blood
and body fluids. HDV
infection can occur in
individuals already
infected with HBV or as
a co-infection with
HBV.
mainly transmitted
through the fecal-oral
route, like HAV.
Consumption of
contaminated food or
water is the most
common mode of
transmission.
Additionally, HEV can
be transmitted through
blood transfusions in
areas where screening
is inadequate.
Incubation Period
HAV (Hep A)
2 to 6 weeks
HBV (Hep B)
30 to 180 days,
average being 90 days.
HCV (Hep C)
2 weeks to 6 months
HDV (Hep D)
ONLY IN HBV infected
people; 30 to 180 days
HEV (Hep E)
2 to 8 weeks
Acute or Chronic?
Acute
Acute and Chronic
Chronic; acute can
occur but is less
common
HBV MUST BE PRESENT Acute, can cause
Acute or chronic,
chronic infections
usually more severe
than HBV alone
Prevention
Vaccines
Safe food/water
Proper hygiene
Vaccines
Safe sex
Proper hygiene
Safe sex
No sharing needles
Proper hygiene
Safe Sex
No sharing needles
Proper hygiene
Safe food/water
Proper hygiene