Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus.
This virus is usually found in the stool (feces) of people who have the infection. It is spread by:
Risk factors for hepatitis A include:
Hepatitis A does not always cause symptoms. Adults are more likely to have them than children.
Symptoms include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include:
There are no specific treatments. The goals of hepatitis A treatments are to:
The disease will usually go away without treatment within 2 to 5 weeks. About 15% of people who are infected by hepatitis A will have relapsing symptoms. This can happen for up to 9 months. In almost all cases, once you recover, there are no lasting effects. You will also be immune to the virus.
In rare cases, the infection is very severe. A liver transplant may be needed.
This contains antibodies that provides temporary protection from hepatitis A. It can last about 1-3 months. It must be given before exposure to the virus or within two weeks after exposure.
This vaccine is made from inactive hepatitis A virus. It is highly effective in preventing infection. It provides full protection four weeks after the first injection. A second injection provides protection lasting up to 20 years.
The vaccine is also used after exposure. If given within two weeks, it can prevent infection.
The vaccine is recommended for:
Check with your doctor to see if you should receive the vaccine.
RESOURCES:
American Liver Foundation
http://www.liverfoundation.org/
Hepatitis Foundation International
http://www.hepfi.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Institute for Health Information
http://www.cihi.ca/cihiweb/
Canadian Liver Foundation
http://www.liver.ca/Home.aspx/
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov .
Hepatitis A: questions and answers. Immunization Action Coalition website. Available at: http://www.vaccineinformation.org/hepa/qandavax.asp . Updated May 2008. Accessed January 21, 2009.
Hepatitis Foundation International website. Available at: http://www.hepfi.org .
The Merck Manual of Medical Information . Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000.
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed January 2009 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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