Hepatitis A: What You Need to Know

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable, liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The virus is one of several types of hepatitis that cause liver inflammation (swelling) and affect your liver’s ability to function.

Basic Facts

• Very rare
• Fewer than 20,000 US cases per year
• Treatable by a medical professional
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging always required
• Spreads through contaminated food or water
• Short-term: resolves within days to weeks

Hepatitis A can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine.

How it Spreads

Hepatitis A spreads by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by having contact with someone who is infected. Hepatitis A is very contagious, and often spreads before an infected person knows they’re sick.

Symptoms

• Yellow eyes or skin
• Not wanting to eat
• Upset stomach
• Throwing up
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Joint pain
• Feeling tired
• Dark urine/light-colored stools

Diagnosis & Treatment

A doctor will discuss your symptoms and take a blood sample. To treat the symptoms of hepatitis A, doctors usually recommend rest, good nutrition, and drinking clear fluids to prevent dehydration.

Prevention

The best way to prevent hepatitis A is vaccination. The key to preventing the spread of hepatitis A is good hygiene, especially frequent hand-washing.

Source: cdc.gov