Hepatitis A is a contagious viral infection that affects the liver.
The hepatitis A virus causes an infection that can be easily spread from person to person through fecal contamination.
It can be prevented by a vaccine.
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This article will explain its transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
This is known as thefecal-oral routeof transmission.
Symptoms usually show up two to seven weeks after you are infected.
Usually, symptoms last up to two months, but some people may have them for six months.
Some of these can further impair your liver and can lead to complications.
You will also need to take care not to spread the hepatitis A virus while you have the condition.
Don’t prepare food or drink for other people.
Be diligent in washing your hands after using the restroom and before eating or preparing food.
Prognosis
Most people make a full recovery and do not have any complications.
Freezing does not kill it, but high temperatures do.
The hepatitis A vaccine is the best way to prevent infection.
Children between the ages of 12 months and 23 months receive ahepatitis A vaccine.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have not received the hepatitis A vaccine.
Some people may not have any symptoms.
Others develop symptoms such as fever, nausea, and jaundice that can last for two months.
There is no specific treatment other than supportive measures.
The hepatitis A vaccine can help prevent this infection.
If you have hepatitis A, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for recovery.
Most people can make a full recovery over time and have no complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is no specific cure for hepatitis A.
However, the hepatitis A vaccine can prevent infection.
Some people do not show any symptoms after infection.
Adults and children over the age of 6 are more likely to have symptoms.
Developing countries are more likely to have sanitation problems and limited access to clean water.
Contamination in water and food is also more common in developing countries.
In the United States, hepatitis A is not common, and only 3,366 people were infected in 2017.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis A.
MedlinePlus.Hepatitis A.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis A questions and answers for the public.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hepatitis A.
