Hepatitis A (HAV) Infection

Symptoms of hepatitis A infection

Symptoms often appear about 2 to 6 weeks after exposure to the virus. Possible symptoms include:

• Fever

• Tiredness and weakness

• Pain in the belly, especially the right upper part (over the liver)

• Loss of appetite

• Upset stomach (nausea), vomiting, or diarrhea

• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

• Itchy skin

• Dark pee and light-colored poop

Diagnosing hepatitis A

A sample of blood is taken to test for HAV. Other tests may be done to check the health of your liver.

Treating hepatitis A

• There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. The virus will run its course.

• Treat symptoms as you would treat flu symptoms. Drink fluids and get plenty of rest.

• During recovery, avoid fatty foods.

• Don't drink alcohol, which can damage the liver.

• Don't take any over-the-counter medicines without checking with your provider. The liver processes many medicines. Certain medicines can be harmful to the infected liver.

• If you know you've been exposed to hepatitis A , tell your provider right away. To reduce your risk of HAV after exposure, it's advised that you have a dose of the vaccine within 2 weeks of exposure. Depending on your age and health, your provider may advise a shot of immune globulin (IG) in addition to the hepatitis A vaccine.

Preventing hepatitis A from spreading

Washing hands thoroughly and often is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of HAV.

A person with hepatitis A can spread the virus to others, even before symptoms appear. They can keep spreading the virus for a few days after symptoms start. Take these steps to prevent HAV from spreading:

• Wash your hands often. Always wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and before making food or eating. Work up a good lather with soap and clean, running water. Scrub for at least 10 to 15 seconds, then rinse.

• Don't go to work or to public places until symptoms are gone.

• Think about being vaccinated against hepatitis B. This is a more serious form of hepatitis. (Once you’ve had hepatitis A, you can’t get it again. So you don’t need the hepatitis A vaccine.)

• The hepatitis A vaccine is advised for all children born in the U.S., starting at 1 year old.  It's an inactive form of the virus. This means you can't get hepatitis A from the vaccine. The vaccine is given in 2 shots that are 6 months apart. For adults, it's given in 2- or 3-dose shots, depending on the type of vaccine.

• People living with you should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if they haven’t been already.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Symptoms get worse instead of better

• Signs of fluid loss (dehydration). These include not peeing as often, very dark pee, dry or sticky mouth, and confusion.

• Swelling in your hands, arms, feet, ankles, belly, or face

• Bleeding from your nose, mouth, or rectum

• Bloody poop

• A yellowish color to the eyes or skin (jaundice)