Hepatitis A

Like other types of hepatitis, the A strain is a disease of the liver. (Read about "The Liver") The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say it is one of the more easily transmitted of the liver diseases, and one of the easier to prevent.

Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus. Some form of oral-fecal transmission usually spreads Hepatitis A. That is one very good reason for those "wash your hands" signs in restaurant bathrooms. Almost all transmissions of the disease are from someone putting something into their mouth that has been contaminated by the stool of a person with Hepatitis A. According to the CDC, casual contact, as in the usual office, factory, or school setting, is not likely to spread the virus; close contact, such as takes place in the home, is what is likely to spread the disease.

One of the scary things is that a person with the disease may not show any symptoms, according to the CDC, although older people are more likely to show signs of infection then younger people.

The American Liver Foundation (ALF) says symptoms of Hepatitis A that do occur tend to mimic the flu and include:

• fever
• tiredness
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• abdominal discomfort
• dark urine (Read about "The Urinary System")
• light colored, "clay" stools
• yellowing of the eyes and skin called jaundice (Read about "Jaundice")

Symptoms usually last for less then two months but can drag on for 6 months. The average time between exposure and showing signs of the disease is almost a month.

Prevention

The spread of the disease is much more common in areas with poor sanitary conditions. Concerns about Hepatitis A are one of the reasons water bodies are closed near sewage spills.

There are products available that are used to prevent the disease.

• Immune globulin is a preparation of antibodies that can be given before exposure for short-term protection against hepatitis A. It's also used with persons who have already been exposed to the Hepatitis A virus. CDC says immune globulin must be given within 2 weeks after exposure to Hepatitis A virus for maximum protection. It helps immune system deal with an infection. (Read about "The Immune System")

• Hepatitis A vaccine is available in the United States. CDC's recommendation is for children to receive the first dose of a two dose series of hepatitis A vaccine between 1 and 2 years of age and that the vaccine be integrated into the routine childhood vaccination schedule. The vaccine is also recommended before exposure to Hepatitis A virus for people who are at risk of getting Hepatitis A virus infection. ALF says it's also recommended for people who will be traveling to high risk areas. According to the American Digestive Health Foundation, high risk areas include Mexico, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, South and Central America and Africa. In order to provide full immunity, several doses of vaccine must be given over a six to twelve month period.

If you think you've already been exposed you'll need a blood test (IgM anti-HAV). (Read about "Laboratory Testing") Talk to your doctor. If you suspect you have Hepatitis A, CDC says it is also important that you talk to your local health department. It is imperative to track the source to make sure it isn't spread to others by someone who does not have symptoms. It is a serious public health concern.

Related Information:

    Microorganisms

    Blood Donation Guidelines

    Hepatitis B

    Hepatitis C

    Digestive System

    Encephalopathy