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Hep Aā€‹Wā€‹ā€‹hat is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A can affect anyone. Safe and effective vaccines are available for long-term prevention of HAV infection in persons 1 year of age and older. Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can also help prevent the spread of hepatitis A.

ā€‹How it Spreads

The hepatitis A virus is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected. The hepatitis A virus is spread when someone ingests the virus (even in amounts too small to see) through:

  • Person-to-person contact

    • Hepatitis A can be spread from close, personal contact with an infected person, such as through certain types of sexual contact (like oral-anal sex), caring for someone who is ill, or sharing needles with others. Hepatitis A is very contagious, and people can even spread the virus before they ā€‹feel sick.

  • ā€‹Eating contaminated food or drink

ā€‹Signs and Symptoms

Many people with hepatitis A do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. If symptoms occur with an acute infection, they can appear anytime from 2 weeks to 6 months after exposure. Symptoms of acute hepatitis can include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dark urine
  • Light-colored stools
  • Joint pain
  • Jaundice

Testing

Testing is the only way to know if you have hepatitis A. A health care provider can determine if you have hepatitis A by discussing your symptoms and ordering a blood test that can tell whether you have been recently infected with the hepatitis A virus.

The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated.ā€‹

Who Should Get Vaccinated

The following people should get vaccinated for hepatitis A:

ā€‹Possible Vaccine Side Effects

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. Many people who get the hepatitis A vaccine have no side effects at all. The most common side effects are usually mild and last one to two days. Possible side effects include:

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot was given
  • Feverā€‹

Prevention

Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease. The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated. Practicing good hand hygiene ā€” including thoroughly washing hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food ā€” plays an important role in preventing the spread of hepatitis A.

Resources

Health Care Providers

Here is everything you need to know to diagnose, treat and report cases of hepatitis A so you can provide the highest level of care to your patients and the information we need to support you.



Public Health Professionals

Here is everything you need to know to monitor and report cases of hepatitis A so you can provide the highest level of care to your constituents and the information we need to support you.


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