Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus leads to inflammation of the liver, which can affect how well the liver works. Hepatitis A is usually spread through close contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or water.

Unlike other types of hepatitis, hepatitis A does not cause long-term liver damage and does not become chronic. Most people recover completely and develop lifelong immunity after infection. However, symptoms can be severe, especially in older adults or people with existing liver disease.

Hepatitis A is more common in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Vaccination and good hygiene practices are highly effective in preventing infection.

Symptoms

Not everyone with hepatitis A develops symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they usually appear a few weeks after exposure and may last several weeks to months.

Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness

• Sudden nausea and vomiting

• Belly pain or discomfort, especially on the upper right side

• Loss of appetite

• Low-grade fever

• Dark-colored urine

• Pale or clay-colored stools

• Joint pain

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes, called jaundice

Children often have mild symptoms or none at all, while adults are more likely to experience noticeable illness.

Causes

Hepatitis A is caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus. The virus enters the body through the mouth and travels to the liver, where it multiplies and causes inflammation.

Common ways the virus spreads include:

• Eating food or drinking water contaminated with the virus

• Close personal contact with an infected person

• Poor hand hygiene after using the bathroom

• Sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A

The virus can survive outside the body for long periods, making proper sanitation and hygiene essential.

Risk factors

Factors that increase the risk of hepatitis A infection include:

• Traveling to or living in areas with high rates of hepatitis A

• Lack of access to clean water or sanitation

• Close contact with someone who has hepatitis A

• Drug use, whether injected or not

• Sexual contact with an infected person

• Working in childcare centers or healthcare settings

People with chronic liver disease are at higher risk of severe illness if infected.

Complications

Most people recover fully from hepatitis A without lasting liver problems. However, complications can occur, particularly in older adults or those with existing liver conditions.

Possible complications include:

• Prolonged fatigue lasting several months

• Cholestatic hepatitis, which causes prolonged jaundice and itching

• Acute liver failure, which is rare but life-threatening

Hospital care may be required in severe cases.

Prevention

Hepatitis A is preventable through vaccination and good hygiene practices.

Prevention strategies include:

• Getting the hepatitis A vaccine

• Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water

• Drinking safe, clean water

• Avoiding raw or undercooked foods in high-risk areas

• Practicing safe food handling

Vaccination is especially recommended for travelers, healthcare workers, and people with chronic liver disease.