Description

Hepatitis a is a highly contagious infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis a virus. The virus is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause inflammation of the liver and affects the liver's ability to function.

You are more likely to get hepatitis a from contaminated food or water or from close contact with a person or object that's infected. Mild cases of hepatitis a don't require treatment. The majority of those infected recover completely with no permanent liver damage.

The practice of good hygiene, including washing hands frequently, you can prevent the spread of the virus. The hepatitis a vaccine can protect against hepatitis A.

Symptoms

Hepatitis a symptoms typically appear a few weeks after you have had the virus. But not all people with hepatitis develops symptoms. If it does, the symptoms may include:

  • Unusual tiredness and weakness
  • Sudden nausea and vomiting and diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper part of the right side below the bottom of the rib cage, which is on the liver
  • Clay, gray, or the color of the stool
  • Loss of appetite
  • Low-grade fever
  • Dark colored urine
  • Pain in the joints
  • Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
  • Intense itching

These symptoms may be relatively mild and go away in a couple of weeks. Sometimes, however, the hepatitis a results in a severe illness lasting several months.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of hepatitis A.

Getting the hepatitis a vaccine or an injection of an antibody called immunoglobulin within two weeks of exposure to the hepatitis a virus can protect you from infection.

Ask your health care provider or your local health department about receiving the hepatitis a vaccine if you:

  • You have recently traveled to areas where the virus is common, particularly in Mexico, Central America, and South America, or in areas with poor sanitation
  • You ate at a restaurant with an outbreak of hepatitis a
  • You live with someone who has hepatitis a
  • You recently had sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis a

Causes

Hepatitis a is caused by a virus that infects liver cells and causes inflammation. The inflammation can affect how your liver works and cause other symptoms of hepatitis A.

The virus spreads when infected feces, even in small amounts, it enters into the mouth of another person (fecal-oral transmission). You can get hepatitis a when you eats or drinks something contaminated with infected feces. You can also get the infection through close contact with a person who has hepatitis A. The virus can live on surfaces for a couple of months. The virus is not spread by casual contact or through coughing or sneezing.

Here are some of the specific ways in which the hepatitis a virus can spread:

  • Eating food handled by someone with the virus who do not wash their hands well after using the toilet
  • The consumption of contaminated water
  • Eating food washed with contaminated water
  • Eating raw shellfish from water polluted with sewage
  • To be in close contact with a person who has the virus, even if that person does not have symptoms
  • To have sexual contact with someone who has the virus

Risk factors

You are at greater risk of contracting hepatitis a if:

  • Travel or work in areas of the world where hepatitis a is common
  • Living with someone who has hepatitis a
  • He is a man who has sexual contact with other men
  • Having any type of sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis a
  • Are HIV-positive
  • Are homeless
  • The use of any type of recreational drugs, not just those that are injected

Complications

Unlike other types of viral hepatitis, hepatitis a does not cause long-term damage to the liver, and that it does not become an ongoing (chronic) infection.

In rare cases, hepatitis a can cause sudden (acute) loss of liver function, especially in older adults or people with chronic diseases of the liver. Acute liver failure requires a stay in the hospital for monitoring and treatment. Some people with acute liver failure may require liver transplantation.

Prevention

The hepatitis a vaccine can prevent infection with the virus. The vaccine is typically given in two doses. The first shot is followed by a booster dose at six months. The hepatitis a vaccine can be given in a combination that includes the vaccine against hepatitis B. This combination vaccine is given in three injections over six months.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine against hepatitis a for the following people:

  • All children at age 1 year, or more children who have not received the vaccine in the childhood
  • Any person of the age of 1 year or more of age, that you are homeless
  • Infants aged 6 to 11 months of travel to regions of the world where hepatitis a is common
  • The family and caregivers of adoptees from countries where hepatitis a is common
  • People in direct contact with others who have hepatitis a
  • Laboratory workers who may come into contact with the hepatitis a
  • Men who have sex with men
  • The people who work or travel in parts of the world where hepatitis a is common
  • People who use any type of recreational drugs, not only injected ones
  • People with chronic liver disease, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C
  • Any person who wishes to obtain protection (immunity)

If you are concerned about your risk of hepatitis a, ask your health care provider if you should be vaccinated.

Follow the safety precautions when traveling

If you're traveling to areas of the world where hepatitis a outbreaks occur, take these steps to prevent the infection:

  • Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables in bottled water and the shell itself. Avoid pre-cut fruits and vegetables.
  • Do not eat raw or undercooked meat and fish.
  • Drink bottled water and use it when brushing your teeth.
  • Avoid all drinks of unknown purity. The same goes for the ice.
  • If bottled water is not available, boil tap water before drinking it or using it to make ice.

Good hygiene practices

Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before preparing foods or eating.

Diagnosis

Blood tests are used to look for signs of the virus of hepatitis a in your body. A blood sample is taken, usually from a vein in your arm. Is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Treatment

There is No specific treatment for hepatitis a, Your body will clear the hepatitis a virus on your own. In the majority of cases of hepatitis a, the liver heals within six months with no lasting damage.

Hepatitis generally, the treatment focuses on keeping you comfortable and control the symptoms. You may need to:

  • Rest. Many people with hepatitis a feel sick and tired and have less energy.
  • To get adequate food and fluid. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. The nausea can make it difficult to eat. Try to eat snacks throughout the day rather than eat a full meal. In order to get enough calories, eat more foods rich in calories. For example, drink fruit juice or milk instead of water. Drinking plenty of fluids is important in order to prevent dehydration, especially if vomiting or diarrhea occurs.
  • Avoid the consumption of alcohol and the use of medications with care. The liver may have difficulty in the processing of drugs and alcohol. If you have hepatitis, you must not drink alcohol. May cause damage to the liver. Talk with your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including drugs available without a prescription.

Lifestyle and home remedies

If you have hepatitis A, you can take steps to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

  • Avoid sexual activity. Avoid all sexual activity, if you have hepatitis A. Many types of sexual activity can spread the infection to your partner. Condoms do not provide adequate protection.
  • Wash your hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers. Rub vigorously for at least 20 seconds and rinse thoroughly. Dry your hands with a disposable towel.
  • Do not prepare food for others while you are actively infected. You can easily transmit the infection to others.

Preparing for your appointment

If someone close to you is diagnosed with hepatitis a, ask your doctor or local health department if you should have the hepatitis a vaccine to prevent infection.

If you have symptoms of hepatitis a, make an appointment with your health care provider.

What you can do

Because appointments can be brief and there's often a lot of information to cover, it is a good idea to be prepared.

  • Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if there is anything that you need to do in advance, such as changing your diet.
  • Make a list of your symptoms. Include those that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
  • Make a list of the personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes and recent travel or possible exposure to the hepatitis a virus.
  • Make a list of all the medications, vitamins, herbs and other supplements that you take, and the dose.
  • Consider the possibility of a family member or friend. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Prepare a list of questions to ask your health care provider.

For hepatitis a, some basic questions to ask are:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
  • Other that the most likely cause, what are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
  • If I have hepatitis A, what can I do to prevent spreading the infection to other people?
  • In the event that people close to me to receive the hepatitis a vaccine?
  • I can continue to work or go to school, while I have hepatitis a?
  • What are the signs and symptoms of serious complications of hepatitis a?
  • How do I know when I can no longer spread of hepatitis a to others?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions you have.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask a series of questions, including:

  • He has traveled recently or been exposed to someone with hepatitis A?
  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • Do you have symptoms all the time, or come and go?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

Prepare and anticipate the questions will help you get the most out of your appointment.

Symptoms and treatment of Hepatitis a