Definition

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver. It can be passed easily from contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person..

Hepatitis

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Causes

Hepatitis A is caused by a specific virus. It may be spread by:

• Drinking water contaminated by raw sewage
• Eating food contaminated by the hepatitis A virus, especially if it has not been properly cooked
• Eating raw or partially cooked shellfish contaminated by raw sewage
• Sexual contact with a partner infected with the hepatitis A virus, especially as oral-anal contact

Hepatitis A is present in stool of people with the infection. They can spread the infection if they do not wash their hands after using the bathroom and touch other objects or food.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of a hepatitis A infection include:

• Having close contact with an infected person—although the virus is generally not spread by casual contact
• Using household items that were used by an infected person and not properly cleaned
• Having oral-anal sexual contact with an infected person
• Traveling to or spending long periods of time in a country where hepatitis A is common or where sanitation is poor
• Working as a childcare worker, changing diapers or toilet training children
• Being in daycare centers
• Being institutionalized
• Injecting drugs—especially if you share needles
• Receiving plasma products, common in conditions like hemophilia

Symptoms

Hepatitis A does not always cause symptoms. Adults are more likely to have them than children.

Symptoms include:

• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Yellowing of the eyes and skin
• Darker colored urine
• Light or chalky colored stools
• Rash

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Tests may include:

• Blood test—to look for signs of hepatitis A
• Liver function studies

Treatment

Hepatitis A usually goes away on its own within two months. There are no lasting effects in most once the infection passes.

The goals of hepatitis A treatments are to:

• Help you stay as comfortable as possible
• Prevent the infection from being passed to others
• Prevent stress on the liver while it's healing. Mainly done by avoiding certain substances like specific medications or alcohol

You will be immune to the virus once you are well.

In rare cases, the infection is very severe. A liver transplant may be needed in these cases if the liver is severely damaged.

Prevention

To decrease your chance of hepatitis A:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Wash your hands before eating or preparing food.
• Avoid using household utensils that a person with hepatitis A may touch. Make sure all household utensils are carefully cleaned.
• Avoid sexual contact with a person with hepatitis A.
• Avoid injected drug use. If you do, do not share needles.
• If you travel to a high risk region, take the following precautions:
  • Drink bottled water
  • Avoid ice chips
  • Wash fruits well
  • Eat well-cooked food

Medical treatments that may help prevent infection include: