Symptoms of Hepatitis A

Introduction

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Unlike other forms of hepatitis, it does not lead to chronic liver disease and is preventable through vaccination. This page provides detailed information on hepatitis A, including its symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies.

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection affecting the liver, primarily spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. The virus causes liver inflammation, impairing its function.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A

Symptoms typically appear a few weeks after exposure to the virus and may include:

Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain, especially on the right side beneath the ribs
Clay-colored stools
Loss of appetite
Low-grade fever
Dark urine
Joint pain
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Intense itching

Not everyone infected with HAV will exhibit symptoms, particularly young children.

Causes

Hepatitis A is caused by the HAV virus, typically transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Common sources include:

Consuming contaminated food or water
Eating raw shellfish from polluted waters
Close personal contact with an infected person
Poor hygiene practices, such as inadequate handwashing

The virus is highly resilient and can survive on surfaces for extended periods.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hepatitis A involves blood tests to detect the presence of HAV antibodies. Elevated liver enzymes can also indicate liver inflammation caused by the virus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?

Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, clay-colored stools, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, dark urine, joint pain, jaundice, and intense itching.

How is hepatitis A transmitted?

Hepatitis A is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often by consuming contaminated food or water, eating raw shellfish from polluted waters, or through close personal contact with an infected person.

Is there a treatment for hepatitis A?

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. The infection typically resolves on its own. Management focuses on relieving symptoms, staying hydrated, and avoiding substances that strain the liver.

How can hepatitis A be prevented?

Preventing hepatitis A involves getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing, avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish, and drinking safe water.

Who should get the hepatitis A vaccine?

The vaccine is recommended for all children at age 1, travelers to areas with high HAV rates, people with chronic liver disease, recreational drug users, men who have sex with men, people ex