Hepatitis A

How common is hepatitis A?

Since the hepatitis A vaccine was first recommended in 1996, cases of hepatitis A in the United States have declined dramatically. Unfortunately, in recent years the number of people infected has been increasing because there have been multiple outbreaks of hepatitis A in the United States. These outbreaks have primarily been from person-to-person contact, especially among people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, and men who have sex with men.

How is hepatitis A spread?

The hepatitis A virus is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected. The hepatitis A virus is spread when someone ingests the virus, usually through: personal contact with an infected person, such as through having sex, caring for someone who is ill, using drugs with others, or through food. Contamination of food with the hepatitis A virus can happen at any point: growing, harvesting, processing, handling, and even after cooking. Contamination of food and water happens more often in countries where hepatitis A is common. Although uncommon, forborne outbreaks have occurred in the United States from people eating contaminated fresh and frozen imported food products. Hepatitis A is very contagious, and people can even spread the virus before they feel sick.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A. The hepatitis A vaccine is safe and effective. The vaccine series usually consists of 2 shots, given 6 months apart. Getting both shots provides the best protection against hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A vaccination is
recommended for:
• All children at age 1 year
• Travelers to countries where hepatitis A
is common
• Family and caregivers of adoptees from
countries where hepatitis A is common
• Men who have sexual encounters with
other men
• People who use or inject drugs
• People with chronic or long-term liver disease,
including hepatitis B or hepatitis C
• People with clotting factor disorders
• People with direct contact with others who
have hepatitis A
• People experiencing homelessness

You can prevent infection even after
you have been exposed. If you have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus in the last 2 weeks, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated. A single shot of the hepatitis A vaccine can help prevent hepatitis A if given within 2 weeks of exposure. Depending upon your age and health, your doctor may recommend immune globulin in addition to the hepatitis A vaccine.

Hand washing plays an important role in prevention. Practicing good hand hygiene—including thoroughly washing hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food—plays an important role in preventing the spread of many illnesses, including hepatitis A.

Symptoms

Not everyone with hepatitis A has symptoms. Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children. If symptoms develop, they usually appear 2 to 7 weeks after infection and can include:

Yellow skin or eyes
Not wanting to eat
Upset stomach
Stomach pain
Throwing up
Fever
Dark urine or light colored stools
Joint pain
Diarrhea
Feeling tired

Symptoms usually last less than 2 months, although some people can be ill for as long as 6 months.

Diagnosis and treatment

A doctor can determine if you have hepatitis A by discussing your symptoms and taking a blood sample. To treat the symptoms of hepatitis A, doctors usually recommend rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids. Some people will need medical care in a hospital. International travel and hepatitis A If you are planning to travel to countries where hepatitis A is common, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated before you travel. Travelers to urban areas, resorts, and luxury hotels in countries where hepatitis A is common are still at risk.
International travelers have been infected, even though they regularly washed their hands and were careful about what they drank and ate.