Hepatitis A

Some people with hepatitis A have no symptoms of the disease. Adults and older children are more likely to have symptoms than children younger than age 6 years. If symptoms develop, they may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Clay‐colored stools
• Joint pain
• Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin or eyes)

If symptoms occur, they usually appear about 4 weeks after close contact with someone who has Hepatitis A or after consuming contaminated food or water but can occur as early as 2 and as late as 7 weeks after exposure. Symptoms usually last less than 2 months, although some people can be ill for as long as 6 months.

Hepatitis A is spread from person to person through the fecal‐oral route [i.e. ingestion of something that has been contaminated by the feces (or stool) of an infected person]. Infection can result from close personal contact with a household member or sex partner who has Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A can also be spread by consuming food or water contaminated with the stool of an infected person.

A person with Hepatitis A is most infectious during the 1 to 2 weeks before the onset of symptoms until at least 1 week after the onset of jaundice.

Hepatitis A is diagnosed by a combination of symptoms, physical signs, and laboratory tests. People with symptoms of Hepatitis A or who have been exposed to someone with Hepatitis A should contact a healthcare provider immediately.

There is no special treatment for Hepatitis A. Doctors usually recommend rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids.  Most people with Hepatitis A will feel sick for a few months before they begin to feel better. Some people will need to be hospitalized. People with Hepatitis A should check with a health care professional before taking any prescription pills, supplements, or over‐the‐counter medications, which can potentially damage the liver. Alcohol should be avoided.