Hepatitis can be either acute or chronic. An acute illness only lasts a short time, and although it may be severe, most people recover from the illness within a few weeks with no lasting effects. A chronic illness persists for a long time, often for life. Chronic hepatitis B and C have the potential to damage and destroy liver cells, leading to fibrosis or tissue scarring. Severe fibrosis can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, in which the liver hardens and is unable to work normally. Ultimately, liver failure occurs. Liver cancer may also develop. In these cases a liver transplant may be considered.
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