Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is one of several types of viruses that can cause hepatitis or inflammation of the liver. Symptoms can be mild lasting several weeks or symptoms can be more severe lasting several months. Many people infected with hepatitis A do not experience any symptoms.
Anyone who has not been vaccinated against hepatitis A or had hepatitis A in the past can become infected with hepatitis A virus and develop illness. The following groups of people are more often affected by hepatitis A:
- People with direct contact with someone who has hepatitis A;
- Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common;
- People who live with a person infected with hepatitis A;
- People who use injected or noninjected illicit drugs;
- People experiencing homelessness;
- Men who have sexual contact with other men;
- Household members or caregivers of a recent adoptee from countries where hepatitis A is common;
- People working with nonhuman primates; and
- People with clotting-factor disorder, such as hemophilia.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A
People infected with hepatitis A may not have any symptoms of the disease. Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children.
If symptoms are present, they may include:
- Fever;
- Loss of appetite;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Stomach pain;
- Dark urine;
- Light-colored stools; and
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
The average time from exposure to onset of symptoms (incubation period) is 28 days but can range from 15 to 50 days. While symptoms usually last less than two months, some people can remain ill for as long as six months.
Hepatitis A Spread
Hepatitis A is highly contagious. Most infected individuals are very contagious shortly after developing symptoms, but hepatitis A can be spread from two weeks before symptoms appear to a few weeks after infection. Hepatitis A can survive outside the body for months, depending on environmental conditions. Hepatitis A is spread from person to person when putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with feces of a person infected with hepatitis A disease. For this reason, hepatitis A is more easily spread through food and water, particularly in locations and situations where there are poor sanitary conditions or where standard handwashing practices are not observed. Most infections result from close contact with a hepatitis A-infected household member, especially young children who may show little clinical evidence of infection. Hepatitis A can also be spread by having sex with someone who has the virus. Casual contact, such as sitting next to someone or hugging someone who is infected, will not spread the virus.
Diagnosing hepatitis A requires a blood test. Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you have been exposed to hepatitis A. This is especially important for persons working as food handlers, in child care centers, or in health care settings. Unlike some other hepatitis infections, hepatitis A does not result in chronic (long-term) illness. In rare cases, it can cause sudden, complete loss of liver function ("liver failure"), especially among older adults or people with other types of chronic liver disease.
If you have been exposed to hepatitis A, you should contact your doctor or a health professional, as you may be able to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), with hepatitis A vaccine and/or immune globulin, which can prevent a disease after someone is exposed to it. PEP for hepatitis A should be given within two weeks after exposure to be most effective.
Hepatitis A Treatment
There are no specific treatments for hepatitis A. People sick with symptoms of hepatitis A should:
- Get plenty of rest;
- Eat a healthy diet;
- Stay hydrated;
- Avoid alcohol; and
- Consult your health care provider before taking any medications, including over-the-counter drugs.
Hepatitis A Prevention
The best way to prevent hepatitis A is through vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine. Vaccination is recommended for all children, travelers to certain countries and people at high risk for infection or complications (e.g., those with liver disease). In light of recent outbreaks, current recommendations include vaccination for those experiencing homelessness, people who use injected and noninjected illegal drugs, and men who have sex with men. Hepatitis A can also be prevented by washing your hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, and before preparing or eating food.
Hepatitis A Resources
If you have additional concerns about hepatitis A, contact your health care provider. You may also call the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
You may also find additional information on these websites:
Hepatitis A Information for Health Care Providers
General Information about Hepatitis A
Educational Resources for Providers
CDC Updates on Nationwide Hepatitis A Outbreak
PA Health Alert Network Website for Updated Information on Hepatitis A