The prognosis of viral hepatitis for most patients is good. Symptoms of viral hepatitis such as fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, and jaundice usually subside in several weeks to months, without any specific treatment. In fact, virtually all patients with acute infection with hepatitis A and most adults (greater than 95%) with acute hepatitis B recover completely. Complete recovery from viral hepatitis means
the hepatitis virus has been completely eliminated from the liver by the body's immune system,
the inflammation in the liver subsides,
the patient develops immunity to future infection with the same virus, and
the patient cannot transmit the infection to others.
Unfortunately, not all patients with viral hepatitis infections recover completely. Five percent of patients with acute hepatitis B infection and 80% of patients with acute hepatitis C infection develop chronic hepatitis.
Acute viral hepatitis needs no specific treatment. Patients who develop chronic infection have chronic viral hepatitis and often need treatment to prevent further liver damage.
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