Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus which causes inflammation of the liver, affecting its function. Common symptoms of hepatitis A infection include jaundiced skin and eyes, fever, and nausea. Hepatitis A is transmitted by contact with infected human feces, and the most common form of hepatitis A transmission is by ingesting food or water contaminated by infected feces. Vaccination is the best long-term way to avoid hepatitis A, and injections with immunoglobulin can also help, offering immediate but short-term protection. Other ways of avoiding hepatitis A infection include good personal hygiene, and avoiding raw or undercooked foods such as salads and shellfish that can be easily contaminated with hepatitis A.
The hepatitis A vaccine is a very effective way to protect oneself from hepatitis A infection. Children in many countries receive this vaccine as part of their childhood immunization program. Getting vaccinated is often recommended before traveling to countries where hepatitis A infection is common. The vaccine starts protecting against hepatitis two to four weeks after immunization, and offers a 95% effective protection from this form of viral hepatitis for at least 10 years.
Another effective way to prevent hepatitis A is injections of immunoglobulin. This is not a vaccine, but offers immediate protection against hepatitis A for a shorter time than the vaccine. Immunoglobulin is also used as a treatment for hepatitis A, decreasing or preventing symptoms of the infection. It is often used as a preventative treatment for people who cannot get vaccinated. When used as a hepatitis A treatment, it is usually administered within 14 days of suspected hepatitis A infection.
Food and drinking water contaminated with the fecal matter of infected persons are the most common causes of hepatitis A. Hepatitis A infection is more common in countries where sewers and clean drinking water are scarce, but can occur anywhere. Careful attention to personal hygiene, especially hand-washing, is important to avoid becoming infected and to prevent the spread of hepatitis. Some foods are also more easily contaminated with hepatitis A, especially raw, uncooked or undercooked foods that are served cold such as salads, vegetables, and cold cuts. Avoiding such foods can help prevent hepatitis A infection.
Symptoms of hepatitis A are often flu-like and include weakness and fatigue. More serious symptoms can include fever, yellowing of the eyes and skin, abdominal pain, and dark urine. Most hepatitis A infections clear up on their own within a few weeks, and usually do not cause permanent liver damage.
