Hepatitis A
<br />Image of Hepatitis A virusOpens in a new window<br />www.fda.gov<br />Hepatitis A virus<br />Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It's one of the most common causes of acute viral hepatitis globally. While often uncomfortable, most people recover completely within a few months and develop lifelong immunity to the virus.<br /><br />Here's a closer look at Hepatitis A:<br /><br />Transmission:<br /><br />Contaminated food or water: HAV is primarily transmitted through fecal-oral contact. This means ingesting food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person. This can happen through:<br />Contaminated shellfish (especially oysters and clams)<br />Unwashed fruits and vegetables<br />Food handled by an infected person who didn't wash their hands properly<br />Contaminated drinking water, especially in areas with poor sanitation<br />Close contact with an infected person: HAV can also spread through close contact with an infected person, such as:<br />Sharing utensils or food<br />Having close physical contact, including sexual contact<br />Changing diapers of an infected child<br />Symptoms:<br /><br />Symptoms of Hepatitis A typically appear 2-6 weeks after exposure to the virus. They can range from mild to severe and may include:<br /><br />Fever<br />Fatigue<br />Loss of appetite<br />Nausea and vomiting<br />Abdominal pain<br />Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)<br />Dark urine<br />Clay-colored stools<br />Prevention:<br /><br />The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is to get vaccinated. The vaccine is safe and effective for most people and provides long-lasting protection against the virus. Other preventive measures include:<br /><br />Practicing good hand hygiene: Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling food.<br />Drinking safe water: Only drinking bottled or treated water, especially when traveling to areas with poor sanitation.<br />Eating safe food: Avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and cooking food to proper temperatures.<br />Treatment:<br /><br />There is no specific treatment for Hepatitis A. Most people recover on their own with supportive care, such as:<br /><br />Rest<br />Plenty of fluids<br />Pain medication<br />A healthy diet<br />In rare cases, Hepatitis A can lead to serious complications, such as liver failure. If you experience severe symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention immediately.<br /><br />Additional facts about Hepatitis A:<br /><br />Hepatitis A is common in parts of the world with poor sanitation and hygiene.<br />Travelers to these areas are at increased risk of infection.<br />People with chronic liver disease are at higher risk of complications from Hepatitis A.<br />There are two safe and effective vaccines available to prevent Hepatitis A.