Hep A is a serious liver infection caused by the hep A virus, found in the stool of an infected person.
Everyone is susceptible to hep A, the virus that causes a hep A infection, unless they have had the illness in the past or have been vaccinated against it. Some people are especially susceptible, including those who:
Hep A is usually spread by close personal contact with a person who is infected with hep A and/or by eating food or drinking water containing hep A. A person who has the infection can easily pass the disease to others they have close contact with.
Hep A can cause a wide variety of symptoms including:
The severity of hep A infections varies. Some people with a hep A infection have no symptoms while others experience mild illness. In some cases, hep A can make people so sick that they need to be hospitalized.
If symptoms occur, they will begin anywhere from two to six weeks after exposure, commonly around 28 days (four weeks) later. Symptoms usually develop over a period of several days.
A person can transmit the virus to others up to two weeks before symptoms appear and for about one week after the onset of jaundice.
Yes, prior infection with hep A makes a person immune to later infection.
In rare instances, a hep A infection can result in liver failure and death. Complications are more likely in individuals who pre-existing liver conditions, such as cirrhosis or infections with hepatitis B or C.
No specific treatment exists for hep A. Your body will clear the virus on its own. Hep A treatment is supportive and mainly focuses on coping with your signs and symptoms.
There are safe and effective vaccines against hep A. One type is given as two shots, six months apart. The vaccine also comes in a combination form, containing both hep A and B vaccine, that can be given to persons 18 years of age and older. This vaccine is given as three shots, over a period of six months.
Yes, the hep A vaccines are highly effective in preventing hep A infection. Protection begins approximately two to four weeks after the first injection. The second dose results in long-term protection. The vaccine is nearly 100% effective after a complete series.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends hep A vaccination for the following people:
The best way to avoid infection with hep A is by vaccination with the hep A vaccine. Good and consistent handwashing is also very important to prevent infection with hep A. Use soap and warm water, scrubbing for 15 to 20 seconds. Handwashing is especially important after using the restroom, before preparing or serving food, before eating, and after coming into contact with surfaces potentially contaminated with fecal matter.
Hep A vaccine can be used to prevent infection, preferably within two weeks of first exposure to hep A, in those 1-40 years old. Due to the risk of severe infection, those less than one year or over 40 years of age are preferably protected from a known exposure through an injection of Immune Globulin (IG), but vaccine can also be used if IG is not available. If IG is used, protection is immediate but lasts only about three months, so vaccination is often given along with IG.
