Acute hepatitis evolution has several phases. First is the incubation period, when the virus multiplies and spreads. This period is asymptomatic (shows no signs). The second phase is the prodromal period, which manifests with such symptoms as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fever and, possibly, dull pain in the right part of the upper abdomen. Than follows the icteric period, characterized by jaundice and preceded by urine darkening and, sometimes, itchiness. During this phase the liver is usually enlarged and sensitive to touch. Jaundice period can last up to 2-4 weeks.
Hepatitis evolution can be mild, with no jaundice and sometimes can show no symptoms at all. These patients present a high risk of infection for the others, as long as they do not know that they have hepatitis.