Diseases
Hepatitis A
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause liver inflammation and affect your liver's ability to function.
Symptoms
- Yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
- Low-grade fever
- Loss of appetite
- Clay- or gray-colored stool
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially on the upper right side beneath your lower ribs, which is over your liver
- Sudden nausea and vomiting and diarrhea
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
Causes
- Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that infects liver cells and causes inflammation. The inflammation can affect how your liver works and cause other symptoms of hepatitis A.
- The virus spreads when infected stool, even just tiny amounts, enters the mouth of another person (fecal-oral transmission).
Risk factors
- Using any type of recreational drugs, not just those that are injected
- Traveling or work in areas of the world where hepatitis A is common
- Bring a man who has sexual contact with other men
- Living with another person who has hepatitis A
- Have any type of sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A
Diagnosis
- Evaluation of signs and symptoms
- Blood tests to look for the antigen
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause liver inflammation and affect your liver's ability to function.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice), Low-grade fever, Loss of appetite, Clay- or gray-colored stool, Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially on the upper right side beneath your lower ribs, which is over your liver, Sudden nausea and vomiting and diarrhea, Unusual tiredness and weakness
What causes Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that infects liver cells and causes inflammation. The inflammation can affect how your liver works and cause other symptoms of hepatitis A.; The virus spreads when infected stool, even just tiny amounts, enters the mouth of another person (fecal-oral transmission).
Which medicines are used for Hepatitis A?
hepatitis A vaccine inactivated
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