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Hepatitis A

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Viral hepatitis

Prevention:

Transmission of the virus can be reduced by avoiding unclean food and water, thorough hand-washing after using the restroom, and thorough cleansing if there is any contact with an affected person's blood, feces, or any other bodily fluid.

Daycare facilities and other institutions involving close contact with people may be more susceptible to rapid transmission of hepatitis A. Thorough hand-washing before and after each diaper change, before serving food, and after using the restroom may help prevent institutional outbreaks.

Immune globulin should be given to people in close contact with people with hepatitis A.

Vaccines that protect against hepatitis A infection are available. The vaccine begins to protect 4 weeks after receiving the first dose; the 6- to 12-month booster is required for long-term protection.

People who should consider vaccination include:

• Those traveling to areas or countries with high levels of hepatitis A (those who travel to high-risk areas less than 4 weeks after receiving the initial vaccine may need to receive another preventive medication called immune serum globulin, which is given at the same time as the vaccine but injected at a different site)
• Those who have anal sex
• Intravenous (IV) drug users
• Those with chronic hepatitis B or C infection

• Review Date: 7/28/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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