Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a contagious viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It usually results in a short-term acute illness and does not cause chronic liver disease. HAV spreads primarily through the fecal-oral route – for example, by ingesting food or water contaminated with the virus, or through close personal contact with an infected person. Good sanitation and vaccination have greatly reduced hepatitis A in many regions.
Symptoms
Many people, especially young children, have no symptoms. In those who do, signs typically appear 2–6 weeks after exposure. Common symptoms can include:
- Jaundice : Yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine, and pale stool.
- Flu-like symptoms : Fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Digestive issues: Especially in the upper right side under the ribs (where the liver is located).
These symptoms usually last less than two months, although in some cases they may persist up to 6 months. Most people recover completely with no lasting liver damage.
Causes
HAV infection is caused by the hepatitis A virus, which is typically acquired from ingesting tiny amounts of fecal matter containing the virus. Common routes of infection include:
- Consuming food or drink handled by someone with HAV who didn't practice proper hygiene.
- Eating raw or undercooked foods washed in contaminated water.
- Drinking contaminated water (especially in areas with poor sanitation).
- Close person-to-person contact with an infectious individual (for example, in households or daycare).
Hepatitis A outbreaks can occur when sanitation is inadequate. The virus is highly contagious, and an infected person is most contagious from about 2 weeks before symptoms start until one week after jaundice begins.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is confirmed by blood tests. If hepatitis A is suspected (due to symptoms or known exposure), a doctor will order a specific blood test for IgM antibodies against HAV. These antibodies indicate a recent HAV infection. Doctors will also check liver enzymes (ALT, AST) in blood tests, which are often elevated in hepatitis. It's important to see a healthcare provider for testing if you have symptoms of hepatitis or know you were exposed to HAV.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for hepatitis A. Because it is usually self-limiting, management focuses on supportive care:
- Rest and hydration: Patients are advised to get plenty of rest and drink fluids.
- Nutrition: Eating a healthy diet as tolerated. Nausea might limit intake, so small frequent meals can help.
- Avoid liver irritants: Alcohol should be avoided, and unnecessary medications (such as acetaminophen) that could stress the liver should be stopped.
- Recovery: Most people recover fully within a few weeks. In rare cases (especially in older adults or those with other liver diseases), hepatitis A can cause fulminant liver failure, requiring intensive medical care.
- Hospitalization: Generally not needed unless there are signs of acute liver failure or dehydration from vomiting.
- Lifelong immunity: Once recovered, a person cannot get hepatitis A again.
- Preventing spread: Practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding food preparation for others while ill are recommended.
FAQs
In most healthy individuals, hepatitis A causes a mild illness and people recover completely without lasting liver damage. It can make you feel quite ill for several weeks, but it is rarely life-threatening. However, in older adults or those with pre-existing liver conditions, HAV can occasionally lead to acute liver failure (a life-threatening complication). Such cases are uncommon.
Hepatitis A spreads via the fecal-oral route. You can get it by ingesting food or water contaminated with the stool of an infected person, or through close personal contact (such as caring for or living with an infected person). To avoid it, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food. When traveling in areas with poor sanitation, drink bottled or boiled water and avoid raw foods washed in local water. Also, vaccination is the best protection (see below).
Yes. Highly effective vaccines are available and recommended. The hepatitis A vaccine provides near 100% protection when the full series is given. In many countries, it's routinely given to children at 1 year of age, and to adults at risk or traveling to areas with Hep A. The vaccine induces long-lasting immunity and is the key reason hepatitis A rates have dropped in places with vaccination programs.
There is no specific cure for HAV infection – your immune system will clear the virus on its own. Treatment is supportive: rest, hydration, and managing symptoms like nausea or fever. Most people recover fully within a few weeks. It's important to avoid alcohol and consult a doctor about any medications to ensure they won't stress the liver. If you experience worsening symptoms (such as inability to keep down fluids, or signs of liver failure like confusion or prolonged jaundice), seek medical care.
No. Hepatitis A does not cause chronic infection. Once you recover, the virus is gone and you do not become a carrier. You'll also have immunity against future hepatitis A infection. Unlike hepatitis B or C, HAV doesn't lead to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. The illness is acute and either resolves or (very rarely) causes acute liver failure in the short term.