What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus. This virus causes acute inflammation of the liver (hepatitis means inflamed liver) but does not become a chronic condition, unlike other Hepatitis infections such as B, C or D. After an individual is infected with Hepatitis A, they cannot catch it again, because the body develops antibodies to protect against future exposures.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored bowel movements
- Joint pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
How is Hepatitis A spread?
The hepatitis A virus is usually spread by putting something in your mouth that is contaminated by the stool (poop) of another person who is infected with hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A is contracted through:
- Household contact with an infected person
- Sexual contact with an infected person
- Eating or drinking contaminated food or water
- Sharing eating utensils that are contaminated
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then placing your hands near or in the mouth
Who is at risk for Hepatitis A infection?
Persons most at risk of being exposed to Hepatitis A include:
- Persons with chronic liver disease
- Men who have sex with men
- Persons who use injection or non-injection drugs
- Persons currently experiencing homelessness
- Persons traveling to or working in certain countries.
What can I do to protect myself?
Immunization is the best protection. It is recommended that children 12 months through 18 years of age be given the two-dose vaccine series. A single-dose vaccine is effective protection for most healthy adults and is especially recommended for those traveling to an area where Hepatitis A is common.
Because so many cases of Hepatitis A are due to close contact with an infected person, you should always practice good personal hygiene. The simple act of washing your hands can protect you against Hepatitis A and other diseases.
What should I do if I have been exposed to Hepatitis A?
If you believe you were exposed to Hepatitis A, contact your health care provider or local health department. If you were recently exposed to the Hepatitis A virus and have not been vaccinated, a dose of the Hepatitis A vaccine may be recommended, but it needs to be given within the first two weeks after exposure to be effective.