Hepatitis A
What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus, which is typically spread through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person.
Who's at risk for hepatitis A?
Anyone can contract hepatitis A, but certain populations may be at higher risk, including:
- People who travel to areas with high rates of hepatitis A
- People who have close contact with someone who has hepatitis A
- Men who have sex with men
- People who use illicit drugs
- People who have chronic liver disease
- People who work in certain occupations, such as healthcare or food service
What causes hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus, which is typically spread through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person.
How does hepatitis A start?
Hepatitis A typically begins with flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?
The symptoms of hepatitis A may vary, but may include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
How is hepatitis A diagnosed?
Diagnosing hepatitis A typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of a person's symptoms, medical history, and risk factors, as well as diagnostic tests such as blood tests to detect the presence of the hepatitis A virus.
How can hepatitis A be treated?
Treatment for hepatitis A typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications. This may include:
- Rest and hydration to help relieve fatigue and other symptoms
- Medications to help manage nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Avoiding alcohol and certain medications that may be harmful to the liver
- Vaccination against hepatitis A to prevent future infections
What complications may occur with hepatitis A?
Complications of hepatitis A are rare, but may include:
- Acute liver failure, which may be life-threatening and require emergency treatment
- Chronic liver disease, which may occur in rare cases of prolonged hepatitis A infection
- Co-infection with other types of hepatitis, such as hepatitis B or C, which may occur in people who have underlying liver disease or risk factors for viral hepatitis
How can I prevent hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A can be prevented through vaccination and by taking precautions to avoid exposure to the virus, such as:
- Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water
- Avoiding close contact with people who have hepatitis A
- Avoiding consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish, which may be contaminated with the virus
- Drinking bottled water or boiling water before consumption when traveling to areas with high rates of hepatitis A
Long-term management of hepatitis A
Most people with hepatitis A recover fully without long-term complications. However, people who have chronic liver disease or who experience complications from acute hepatitis A may require ongoing medical care and monitoring to manage their condition and prevent future liver damage.
What is recent research saying about hepatitis A?
Recent research in hepatitis A has focused on improving prevention, diagnosis, and management of the condition, as well as identifying new risk factors and treatments. Some of the promising areas of research include:
- Development of new vaccines or vaccine strategies, which may be more effective at preventing hepatitis A infection or reducing the risk of complications
- Investigation of the role of the gut microbiome in hepatitis A, which may help identify new targets for treatment
- Evaluation of the impact of hepatitis A on health disparities, including the disproportionate burden of the disease on certain populations
- Exploration of the potential for new antiviral therapies or other treatments to improve outcomes for people with hepatitis A
Where can I go for more information on hepatitis A?
If you or someone you know has hepatitis A or wants more information on the condition, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider who specializes in the treatment of liver disease. The following organizations also provide information and resources on hepatitis A:
