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Hepatitis A

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Hepatitis A Virus is one of a family of related DNA viruses that affect the liver. It is transmitted through ingestion of fecal matter, even in microscopic amounts, from close person-to-person contact or ingestion of contaminated food or drinks. It can also be transmitted through needle sharing.

People at risk include:

• Household contact with infected persons
• Sexual contact with infected persons
• People traveling to countries where HAV is common
• Men who have sex with men
• Injection and non-injecting drug users

Signs & Symptoms:

• Low grade fever
• Body weakness / discomfort
• Headaches
• Muscle pains
• Poor appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea, especially in children
• Dark urine
• Jaundice

Complications & Consequences:

• No Chronic (long-term) infection
• You are immune after your first infection
• About 15% of those infected will have prolonged or relapsing symptoms over a 6 to 9 month period
• May trigger the onset of chronic autoimmune liver disease
• Accounts for fewer than 10% of all severe hepatitis
• Mortality (likelihood of death is about 0.3% in people; In people over 40 mortality rate rises to 2%

Prevention:

• Hepatitis A vaccine
• Immune globulin (IG) offers short term protection against HAV if given before and within 2 weeks of exposure
• Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the restroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing and eating food.

Vaccine Recommendations:

• Travelers to areas with high Hepatitis A rates
• Men who have sex with men
• Injection and non-injection drug users
• Persons with chronic liver disease
• Children living in area with increased rates of Hepatitis A