Hepatitis A

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American Liver Foundation

All About Hepatitis A

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The Hepatitis A Diagnosis Information Page is a collaborative project of NeedyMeds and the American Liver Foundation.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) that causes the liver to swell and prevents it from working well. Anyone who has come in close contact with someone who has Hepatitis A or who has eaten food or drank water polluted by Hepatitis A is at risk. Low energy is the most common symptom of Hepatitis A. Other symptoms include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, headache, itchy skin, muscle soreness, pain near the liver, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) and can be diagnosed by a blood test. Hepatitis A usually goes away on its own within six months in almost all cases with no serious complications. However, Hepatitis A may cause some patients to suffer liver failure. Doctors often recommend bed rest, drinking lots of fluids, eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol. While no medicines are used to treat Hepatitis A, effective vaccines including Havrix, Vaqta and Twinrix are available. Hepatitis A vaccine is given in two doses 6 months apart and is effective in preventing Hepatitis A for at least 20 years.

This page is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical care. Please consult your healthcare provider.