Facts You Need to Know about Hepatitis A
by Beth G. Hodges, MD

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver by the Hepatitis A virus. It is considered the mildest of the hepatitis viruses and does not cause chronic liver damage.

Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food or drinking water or by eating raw or undercooked seafood. It is sometimes spread through daycare facilities if workers are not diligent about washing hands after changing diapers.

It is endemic in less developed countries and in the Carribean and Asia and Latin America. Transmission of the virus to others can occur within one week of exposure, but symptoms usually do not appear until 2-6 weeks after exposure.

The symptoms of Hepatitis A include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low grade fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, and jaundice. Diagnosis is made by testing of the blood. There is no cure for Hepatitis A. It does not cause a chronic infection, and will clear by itself with supportive treatment to prevent dehydration.

In cases of a recognized exposure, active infection can be prevented by administration of immunoglobulin for Hepatitis A along with the Hepatitis A vaccination if not previously received.

Vaccination to Hepatitis A has been available for several years and is now routinely given to infants in two doses separated by six months. International travelers should also receive the vaccine if they have never had it before. Immunity is achieved within 2-4 weeks of the first vaccination, but the second dose is needed for long term immunity.

Published - February, 2010