Hepatitis is a general term for inflammation of the liver. Normally, the liver breaks down waste products in your blood. But when the liver is inflamed, it doesn’t do a good job of getting rid of waste products. This causes waste products to build up in your blood and tissues.
Many different things can cause hepatitis. The most common cause of hepatitis is infection with one of the 5 hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, or E). Lack of blood supply to the liver, poison, autoimmune disorders, excessive alcohol use, an injury to the liver, and taking certain medicines can also cause hepatitis. Less commonly, viral infections such as mononucleosis or cytomegalovirus can cause hepatitis.
There are 2 main kinds of hepatitis: acute hepatitis (short-lived) and chronic hepatitis (lasting at least 6 months). Most people get over the acute inflammation in a few days or a few weeks. Sometimes, however, the inflammation doesn't go away. When the inflammation doesn't go away in 6 months, the person has chronic hepatitis.
Hepatitis A is liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is very contagious, which means that you can easily catch the virus from someone or give it to another person.
Hepatitis A is different from other types of hepatitis. It isn't typically as serious as hepatitis B or C, and it doesn't usually develop into chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis.
The hepatitis A virus is usually in your system for 2-6 weeks before symptoms appear. Some people never have any symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they can appear suddenly and may include the following:
Young children are likely to have very mild cases of hepatitis A, while symptoms in older children and adults are more likely to be severe.
You are most contagious soon after you are infected and before symptoms appear. Adults who are otherwise healthy are no longer contagious 2 weeks after the illness begins. Children and people who have weak immune systems may be contagious for up to 6 months.
Hepatitis A is caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus. You get the virus when you unknowingly eat a small amount of infected feces. This can happen through person-to-person contact, or through eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
A person can have and spread hepatitis A, even if that person does not have any symptoms. In fact, hepatitis A is most contagious before symptoms appear. You are most likely to get hepatitis A from another person when:
You can also get infected by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Contaminated food and water are more common in developing countries. When traveling in areas where hepatitis A is common, avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables, shellfish, ice, and untreated water.
You are at higher risk for hepatitis A if you:
See your doctor is you have any of the symptoms of hepatitis A. He or she can do a blood test to see if you have the disease.
There is no specific medicine to treat or cure hepatitis A. If you have the virus, your body will eventually get rid of the infection on its own. You probably will feel sick for a few months before you begin to feel better.
To help your liver heal, you should get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet and avoid alcohol and acetaminophen (one brand: Tylenol). Talk with your doctor before you take any prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, or vitamins or supplements. Alcohol, acetaminophen, and certain other medicines, vitamins, and supplements can cause more damage to your liver.
You may need to stay in the hospital for a short time if you get dehydrated, have severe pain, suddenly become confused, or develop bleeding problems.
Ask your doctor about the hepatitis A vaccine. The shot is safe for anyone older than 1 year of age and can provide protection for up to 20 years.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after cooking, after using the bathroom and after changing diapers.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating and avoid raw or undercooked meat and fish.
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff