Hepatitis, a disease that affects the liver, is the medical term for the inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A is a liver disease, which is caused by a virus called the hepatitis A virus. It is a contagious disease that can be passed from one person to another.
Eating foods and drinking beverages that have been contaminated with the hepatitis A virus commonly spreads Hepatitis A. It can also be spread through close personal contact with someone who has the infection.
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Who can get hepatitis A?
Although anyone can get hepatitis A, some people are more likely to be infected than others, such as those who
The symptoms of hepatitis A:
Some people with hepatitis A do not have any symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, it can make you feel like you have the flu. Symptoms may include the following:
How is hepatitis A treated?
Almost all people who get hepatitis A recover completely without any special treatments. However, you may have to rest in bed for several days or weeks. The doctor may give you medicines to help relieve symptoms.
People with hepatitis A should check with their healthcare provider before taking supplements or over-the-counter medications, which can damage the liver. Also, alcohol should be avoided.
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How to protect yourself from hepatitis A?
You can protect yourself from getting hepatitis A through vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine. Having vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for
For More Information
You can also get more information about hepatitis A from these institutions or groups: (links open in a new window)
American Liver Foundation (ALF)
Internet: www.liverfoundation.org
Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI)
Internet: www.hepfi.org
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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References:
CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis (June 2008). Hepatitis A Information for the Public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Web URL: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/A/aFAQ.htm. Accessed: October 6, 2008
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (December 2003). What I need to know about Hepatitis A (NIH Publication No. 04—4244). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepa_ez/index.htm. Accessed: October 7, 2008
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Eating foods and drinking beverages that have been contaminated with the hepatitis A virus commonly spreads Hepatitis A. It can also be spread through close personal contact with someone who has the infection.
Top of Page
Who can get hepatitis A?
Although anyone can get hepatitis A, some people are more likely to be infected than others, such as those who
Live with someone who is infected with hepatitis ATop of Page
Work in a day care center. Children who go to day care are also at risk.
Are men who have sexual contact with other men
Travel to or live in countries where hepatitis A is common
The symptoms of hepatitis A:
Some people with hepatitis A do not have any symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, it can make you feel like you have the flu. Symptoms may include the following:
FeverTop of Page
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Pain in the abdomen
Dark yellow urine
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Light-colored stools
How is hepatitis A treated?
Almost all people who get hepatitis A recover completely without any special treatments. However, you may have to rest in bed for several days or weeks. The doctor may give you medicines to help relieve symptoms.
People with hepatitis A should check with their healthcare provider before taking supplements or over-the-counter medications, which can damage the liver. Also, alcohol should be avoided.
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How to protect yourself from hepatitis A?
You can protect yourself from getting hepatitis A through vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine. Having vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for
All childrenYou can also protect yourself and others from hepatitis A by
Travelers to certain countries
People at high risk for infection with the virus
Frequently washing your hands after using the toilet and before fixing food or eatingTop of Page
Wearing gloves if you have to touch other people’s stool. You should also wash you hands afterwards
Drinking bottled water when you travel in other countries with high rates of hepatitis A
For More Information
You can also get more information about hepatitis A from these institutions or groups: (links open in a new window)
American Liver Foundation (ALF)
Internet: www.liverfoundation.org
Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI)
Internet: www.hepfi.org
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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References:
CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis (June 2008). Hepatitis A Information for the Public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Web URL: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/A/aFAQ.htm. Accessed: October 6, 2008
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (December 2003). What I need to know about Hepatitis A (NIH Publication No. 04—4244). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepa_ez/index.htm. Accessed: October 7, 2008
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