Hepatitis A Information

HEPATITIS A

What is hepatitis A and how do you get it?

Hepatitis A virus is spread by direct or indirect contact with faecal material. Exposure to hepatitis A is common amongst children, travellers in developing countries, and is extremely common among gay men. You can get hepatitis A by eating contaminated raw or undercooked shellfish, eating food or drinking water contaminated with faeces, and through sexual activity, particularly oral-anal contact. There is no known danger of transmitting hepatitis A through pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?

Usually when children get hepatitis A, they have no symptoms. In adults, symptoms will appear after a four- to six-week incubation period. Symptoms can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, achiness, fatigue and loss of appetite. A blood test will reveal that liver function tests are abnormally high. Abdominal pain or tenderness is often experienced. Jaundice will often occur, causing a temporary yellowing of the skin and eyes, a darkening of the urine and lightening of the stool. Symptoms usually end after two weeks, but continued rest is very important to avoid a relapse. Once you have had hepatitis A, it is very unusual to get it again. Your doctor can test to see if you have developed antibodies for hepatitis A, which means that you cannot usually get it again. However, you can become infected with other hepatitis viruses.

Can hepatitis A be prevented?

There is an approved vaccine to prevent HAV infection. This anti-HAV immune globulin protects against HAV for 5 months. You can also protect yourself against hepatitis A by using proper hygiene (including washing hands before eating or cooking) and avoiding impure water and raw and other possibly contaminated foods in areas where the disease is endemic (common in the population). Also, using a condom for anal intercourse and avoiding rimming and other oral contact with faecal material during sex are important ways to avoid getting hepatitis A. If you are living with someone who has hepatitis A, the use of separate dishes, glasses and utensils is not necessary as long as everything is washed with hot water.

Can hepatitis A be treated?

Although there is no treatment for hepatitis A, discomfort may be relieved somewhat by rest and proper nutrition. Another way to prevent hepatitis A is with injections of a substance called anti-HAV immune globulin, this is also 85% effective in blocking Hepatitis A when given up to two weeks after exposure to HAV. 

Bed rest is recommended until liver function tests return to normal. Some doctors recommend a high-protein, low-fat diet. It is important to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea or vomiting. As a general rule, all drugs should be avoided during an episode of hepatitis A (especially narcotics, analgesics and tranquillisers) unless specifically prescribed by your doctor.

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