What is Hepatitis A?
What is Hepatitis A?Hepatitis A is a contagious inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. The illness is primarily spread by infected food and water but isn't considered a serious disease because it rarely leads to liver failure and death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of hepatitis A cases has declined dramatically since the 1990s.
Signs & Symptoms of Hepatitis A
SymptomsChildren under six wouldn't usually show symptoms of contracting the virus, while older children, teenagers, and adults will usually develop mild hepatitis A symptoms.
A list of signs and symptoms of hepatitis A include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Light-colored stool
- Dark urine
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Jaundice
Hepatitis A symptoms usually appear 14 to 28 days after contracting the virus.
If you have any questions or concerns about your symptoms, rest assured that our doctors and specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian are ready to help and provide any necessary treatment.
What Causes Hepatitis A?
CausesThe most common cause of a hepatitis A infection is ingesting contaminated food or liquid that has come into contact with fecal matter containing the virus. The hepatitis A virus also spreads through close contact with an infected person. The most common causes include:
- Eating raw, contaminated shellfish
- Eating food prepared by an infected individual and individuals who do not wash their hands before handling food
- Having sexual intercourse with an infected individual
- Drinking polluted water
- Being in contact with fecal matter infected with hepatitis A
Risk Factors
Risk FactorsHepatitis A is highly contagious, but certain factors can increase the chances of contracting it, such as:
- Living in hepatitis A-infected areas, such as in areas with unsafe drinking water and low sanitary standards
- Using illegal drugs
- Sharing a living space with an individual with the virus
- Sexual activity with an infected individual
Complications
ComplicationsHepatitis A does not usually cause long-term (chronic) infection and liver damage, unlike other liver infections.
But in about one percent of Hepatitis A cases, a sudden (acute) liver failure may occur. Individuals with chronic liver diseases or acute liver failure and senior citizens are most at risk for acute liver failure due to hepatitis A.
Complications of hepatitis A are:
- Cholestatic hepatitis. About 5% of hepatitis A patients develop this condition which results in jaundice, fever, and weight loss.
- Relapsing hepatitis. An inflammatory liver condition that is more common in senior citizens.
- Autoimmune hepatitis. The body attacks the liver. If left untreated, autoimmune hepatitis can result in cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, and liver failure.
Prevention
PreventionThe best way to prevent an infection of hepatitis A is to get the hepatitis A vaccine. Your doctor will administer the vaccine in two injections, six to twelve months apart.
Who should receive the hepatitis A vaccine:
- All children aged 12-23 months
- Anyone aged 12 months and up traveling outside the United States.
- Anyone traveling to a country where hepatitis A transmission is common
- International travelers
- Men who have sexual contact with other men
- People who use injection or non-injection drugs
- People who have an occupational risk for infection
- People experiencing homelessness
- People with HIV
- People with chronic liver disease
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Hepatitis A Care
If you're experiencing symptoms of hepatitis A or other digestive and kidney diseases, seek treatment immediately by scheduling an appointment with our treatment team at NewYork-Presbyterian. Our team of dedicated hepatologists, surgeons, nurses, and other professionals will work to provide the most effective therapy for you. Call us today to schedule an appointment.