What are the main symptoms of hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A, also known as Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, presents with various and notable symptoms. Initially, patients commonly experience fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting—digestive symptoms that may be accompanied by fever resembling a common cold. As the disease progresses, patients may enter the jaundice phase, characterized by darkened urine, yellowing of the sclera and skin (jaundice), pale stools, and signs of cholestasis such as pruritus and bradycardia. Additionally, some patients may exhibit systemic symptoms including hepatosplenomegaly, pain in the liver region, myalgia, and pharyngitis. The course of Hepatitis A is generally self-limiting, with most patients recovering within three months, during which liver function typically returns to normal, and the disease does not progress to chronic hepatitis. However, in rare cases, some patients may develop fulminant hepatitis, presenting with severe symptoms such as high fever, extreme fatigue, and progressive jaundice, which can even be life-threatening. Therefore, timely medical consultation and adherence to medical advice for treatment are essential upon the onset of symptoms suggestive of Hepatitis A.