Hepatitis A

What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). Unlike Hepatitis B and C, it does not typically cause long-term chronic liver damage.

It is most often spread through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Most people recover completely with no permanent liver damage.

Symptoms

Symptoms typically appear a few weeks after exposure and can last up to 6 months. Signs include:

• Extreme fatigue and weakness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Abdominal pain (especially on the right side near the liver).
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Dark urine.
• Clay-colored bowel movements.
• Joint pain.

⚠️ EXPOSURE WARNING
If you have been exposed to Hepatitis A (e.g., ate at a restaurant with an outbreak), get a Hepatitis A Vaccine or immunoglobulin therapy within 2 weeks. This can prevent the infection from taking hold.

Causes: The Fecal-Oral Route

The virus is usually spread when a person ingests even microscopic amounts of contaminated fecal matter. Common transmission methods include:

• Contaminated Food: Eating food handled by someone with the virus who didn't wash their hands properly.
• Contaminated Water: Drinking water polluted with sewage (common in developing countries).
• Raw Shellfish: Eating shellfish harvested from polluted water.
• Close Contact: Caring for an infected person or sexual contact.

Complications

While rare, Hepatitis A can cause Acute Liver Failure, a sudden loss of liver function that requires hospitalization and possibly a transplant. Older adults and people with existing liver diseases are at higher risk.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose the infection with a simple blood test that detects HAV antibodies.

Treatment & Recovery

No specific medication exists to cure Hepatitis A. Your body will clear the virus on its own. Treatment focuses on symptom management:

• Rest: You may feel tired and sick for a few months. Save your energy.
• Manage Nausea: Eat small snacks throughout the day rather than large meals.
• Avoid Alcohol: Your liver is inflamed and cannot process alcohol or certain medications (like Acetaminophen/Tylenol). Avoid these to prevent liver failure.

Prevention

The best protection is the Hepatitis A Vaccine. Good hygiene, especially washing hands after using the toilet and before eating, is critical.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.