Hepatitis A Information

Hepatitis A is a very contagious viral disease. The disease attacks the liver and may lead to other illness. Hepatitis A is commonly spread from person to person, through fecal contamination and hand-to-mouth contact. Hepatitis A is also spread through contaminated food and water.

The symptoms that accompany Hepatitis A include Jaundice, which is a yellow coloring of the skin and also the white of the eyes, dark urine, abdominal discomfort, lack of appetite and fever. A person may experience all, some or none of these symptoms. Laboratory tests will confirm the infection. Adults are more seriously effected than children. Symptoms usually last for about four weeks, but may continue on and off for up to 15 months. Occasionally people with Hepatitis A must be hospitalized.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended to people who travel to areas such as Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean basin, eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central and South America, Mexico and parts of the Caribbean. The vaccine should also be given to people who are child-care workers, medical employees, persons engaging in high-risk sexual activity, and people who desire protection against the hepatitis A infection.