Hepatitis A

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OVERVIEW

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a general term for inflammation of the liver. Normally, the liver breaks down waste products in your blood. But when the liver is inflamed, it doesn’t do a good job of getting rid of waste products. This causes waste products to build up in your blood and tissues.

Many different things can cause hepatitis. The most common cause of hepatitis is infection with one of the 6 hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E, or G). Lack of blood supply to the liver, poison, autoimmune disorders, excessive alcohol use, liver injury, and taking certain medicines can also cause hepatitis. Less commonly, viral infections such as mononucleosis or cytomegalovirus can cause hepatitis.

There are 2 main kinds of hepatitis: acute hepatitis and chronic hepatitis . Most people get over the acute inflammation in a few days or a few weeks. Sometimes, however, the inflammation doesn’t go away. When the inflammation doesn’t go away in 6 months, the person has chronic hepatitis.

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A (Hep A) is liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is different from other types of hepatitis. It isn’t typically as serious as hepatitis B or C, and it doesn’t usually develop into chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis (late-stage scarring of the liver).

Hepatitis A is very contagious, which means that you can easily catch the virus from someone or give it to someone else. You are most contagious soon after you are infected and before symptoms appear. Adults who are otherwise healthy are no longer contagious 2 weeks after the illness begins. Children and people who have a weak immune system may be contagious for up to 6 months.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?

The hepatitis A virus is usually in your system for 2-7 weeks before symptoms appear. Some people never have any symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they can appear suddenly and may include the following:

Nausea
Vomiting
Jaundice (the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
Low-grade fever (fever up to 38.9°C (102°F))
Fatigue
Pain in your abdomen, especially on your right side
Dark-colored urine
Loss of appetite
Muscle pain

Young children are likely to have very mild cases of hepatitis A, while symptoms in older children and adults are more likely to be severe.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes hepatitis A and how is it spread?

Hepatitis A is caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus. You get the virus when you unknowingly eat a small amount of infected feces. This can happen through person‑to‑person contact, or through eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

A person can have and spread hepatitis A, even if that person does not have any symptoms. You are most likely to get hepatitis A from another person when:

A person who has the virus does not wash their hands properly after going to the bathroom.
A parent does not wash their hands properly after changing the diaper of an infected child.
A caregiver does not wash their hands properly after cleaning up the stool of an infected person.
A person has sex with a person who has the virus.

You can also get infected by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Contaminated food and water are more common in developing countries. When traveling in areas where hepatitis A is common, avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables, shellfish, ice, and untreated water.

What are the risk factors for hepatitis A?

You are at higher risk for hepatitis A if you:

Live with or have sex with someone who has hepatitis A
Travel to countries where hepatitis A is common
Are a man who has sex with other men
Use illegal drugs
Have a clotting-factor disorder, such as hemophilia

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How is hepatitis A diagnosed?

Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the symptoms of hepatitis A. They can do a blood test to see if you have the disease.

TREATMENT

There is no specific medicine to treat or cure hepatitis A. If you have the virus, your body will eventually get rid of the infection on its own. You probably will feel sick for a few months before you begin to feel better.

To help your liver heal, you should get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet and avoid alcohol and acetaminophen (one brand: Tylenol). Contact your healthcare provider before you take any prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins or supplements. Alcohol, acetaminophen, and certain other medicines, vitamins, and supplements can cause more damage to your liver.

You may need to stay in the hospital for a short time if you get dehydrated, have severe pain, suddenly become confused, or develop bleeding problems.

PREVENTION

Can hepatitis A be prevented or avoided?

Ask your healthcare provider about the hepatitis A vaccine. The shot is safe for anyone older than 1 year of age and can provide protection for up to 20 years.

Wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after cooking, after using the bathroom and after changing diapers.

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating and avoid raw or undercooked meat and fish.

You are at higher risk for hepatitis A if you:

Live with or have sex with someone who has hepatitis A
Travel to countries where hepatitis A is common
Are a man who has sex with other men
Use illegal drugs
Have a clotting-factor disorder (such as hemophilia)

Living with hepatitis A

Once you recover from hepatitis A, you develop antibodies that protect you from the virus for life.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Contributed by familydoctor.org editorial staff.

Nova Scotia Telecare, Reviewed by Clinical Services Working Group, March 2024

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