Hepatitis is an inflammatory liver disease caused by one of three viruses: hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis A, which is also referred to as infectious hepatitis, is the most common form of this disease in children. Hepatitis A side effects in children may be mild or non-existent, but the child can still spread this disease to other people.
Flu-like Symptoms
If your child has been exposed to the hepatitis A virus, she can experience flu-like symptoms as a side effect of this disease, explain doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Common flu-like symptoms associated with hepatitis A infection include fatigue, body or muscle aches, low-grade fever or malaise. In children, these symptoms are typically mild and may last up to two months. Talk with your pediatrician if your child exhibits any of these flu-like symptoms, as these side effects can also be indicative of alternate medical problems.
Urine, Stool or Skin Discoloration
Certain children with hepatitis A can develop urine, stool or skin discoloration as side effects of infection, reports health officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You may observe that your child's skin appears abnormally yellow--a condition referred to as jaundice. When changing your child's diaper or helping him use the bathroom, you can notice that his urine is a dark amber or brown color or that his stools appear pale or clay-colored. These side effects of hepatitis A can develop 2 to 6 weeks following your child's exposure to the virus.
Stomach Upset or Pain
Hepatitis A can severely irritate and inflame your child's liver, which can cause her to experience mild to moderate abdominal pain as a side effect of this disease. Your child may also complain that her stomach hurts (nausea) or she can begin to vomit, explain health educators at Kids Health, a health information site established by the Nemours Foundation. Diarrhea can cause your child to use the bathroom more frequently than usual and can contribute to symptoms of abdominal bloating, discomfort or pain. These stomach-related symptoms are typically mild and can subside within a month or two of onset.
