Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It’s typically acute, meaning it doesn’t cause chronic liver disease and usually goes away on its own, but it can cause serious illness in some people.
🦠 Causes & Transmission
Hepatitis A is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, which means the virus is spread when a person ingests food or water that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person.
Common transmission sources include:
Contaminated food or water
Close personal contact with an infected person (e.g., sexual contact, caring for them)
Poor sanitation or hygiene practices
⚠️ Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 2–7 weeks after exposure and can last for several weeks to months.
Common symptoms:
Fatigue
Sudden nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain (especially upper right side)
Clay-colored stools
Dark urine
Joint pain
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Loss of appetite
Low-grade fever
Note: Some people, especially children under 6, may have no symptoms.
🧪 Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually done via blood tests to detect:
IgM anti-HAV antibodies (indicates recent infection)
Liver function tests (to assess liver inflammation)
💊 Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for Hepatitis A. Management focuses on:
Rest
Hydration
Nutritional support
Avoiding alcohol and liver-damaging drugs
Most people recover completely within a few weeks or months.
🛡️ Prevention
Vaccination: Highly effective and recommended for:
Travelers to areas with poor sanitation
Men who have sex with men
People with chronic liver disease
Drug users (injection or non-injection)
Good hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water
Safe food and water practices
🩺 Prognosis
Most people recover fully with no lasting liver damage.
Severe complications are rare but can include acute liver failure, especially in older adults or those with preexisting liver disease.
