What symptom is likely to occur if a person has hepatitis E?

Fatigue is a common symptom associated with hepatitis E, primarily because this viral infection affects the liver, which plays a critical role in metabolism and energy production. When the liver is compromised by the hepatitis E virus, many individuals experience systemic symptoms such as feeling unusually tired or weak. This fatigue can be attributed to the body’s immune response to the infection as well as the liver's reduced capacity to process nutrients and toxins effectively.

The other symptoms listed, such as persistent cough, weight gain, and headaches, are not typical manifestations of hepatitis E. While headaches can occur in various conditions, they are not directly indicative of hepatitis E. Weight gain can happen due to many factors but is not a symptom of a viral liver infection. A persistent cough is more commonly related to respiratory conditions rather than liver diseases. Therefore, fatigue is the most relevant symptom among the options provided and aligns with the experience of many patients suffering from hepatitis E.