What is acute viral hepatitis?

Hepatitis A, B and C are all examples of acute viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A is transmitted primarily through the oral-fecal route and has been traced to contaminated food and drinking water. Hepatitis B is transmitted by a needle stick or exposure to a blood transfusion or intimate sexual contact. Hepatitis C is also spread through exposure to blood products or a needle stick. Individuals who require multiple transfusions are at the highest risk for acquiring Hepatitis C. Acute viral hepatitis presents with “flu like” symptoms as well as jaundice, fatigue, itching, upset stomach, a low grade fever and dull pain on the right side of the abdomen.