Hepatitis A

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What You Need to Know

Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable and communicable disease of the liver, caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is typically spread from person to person through the fecal-oral route (consuming something that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person). The illness can also be spread through contaminated food or water, although this is a less common route of transmission. The best way to prevent hepatitis A infection is to get vaccinated. Additionally, people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus within the past 14 days and who have not previously completed the hepatitis A vaccine series should receive post exposure prophylaxis. 

Hepatitis A infection is a self-limited disease that will typically resolve on its on, and it does not result in chronic infection.

Common symptoms include:

  • stomach pain
  • nausea/vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • jaundice
  • clay-colored stool
  • dark urine
  • fatigue
  • low appetite

Hep A Incidence 2010-2019 GraphVaccine Recommendations

The best way to prevent infection from this illness is through vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine. Please check out the CDC vaccine and post exposure prophylaxis recommendations below for more information.