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Hepatitis AWhat is hepatitis A?Hepatitis A is a liver disease. Hepatitis * means inflammation of the liver. Inflammation is the painful, red swelling that results when tissues of the body become injured or infected. Inflammation can cause organs to not work properly. *See the Pronunciation Guide for tips on how to say the words in bold type. What is the liver?The liver is an organ that does many important things.  Hepatitis A is a liver disease. The liver
You cannot live without a liver. What causes hepatitis A?The hepatitis A virus causes hepatitis A. Viruses are germs that can cause sickness. For example, the flu is caused by a virus. People can pass viruses to each other. Who gets hepatitis A?Anyone can get hepatitis A, but some people are at higher risk, including
How could I get hepatitis A?You could get hepatitis A through contact with an infected person's stool. You could get hepatitis A from
 Wash your hands before fixing food or eating. You cannot get hepatitis A from
What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?Children younger than age 6 often have no symptoms. Older children and adults often get mild, flulike symptoms, including
How is hepatitis A diagnosed?Blood tests will show if you have hepatitis A or another type of hepatitis. How is hepatitis A treated?Hepatitis A usually gets better in a few weeks without treatment. Get lots of rest and avoid drinking alcohol, which bothers the liver. Your doctor may suggest medicines to help relieve your symptoms, or medicines you may want to avoid. If symptoms persist, especially if you are an older person, then you should see a doctor again. When you recover, your body will have learned to fight off a future hepatitis A infection. However, you can still get other kinds of hepatitis.  Bed rest and medicine will help you get better. How can I avoid getting hepatitis A?You can avoid getting hepatitis A by getting the hepatitis A vaccine. Vaccines are medicines that keep you from getting sick. Vaccines teach the body to attack specific germs. The hepatitis A vaccine teaches your body to attack the hepatitis A virus. The hepatitis A vaccine is given through two shots. The second shot is given 6 to 12 months after the first shot. Both shots are needed to be fully protected from the virus. All children should be vaccinated and must be at least 12 months old to get the first shot. Discuss the hepatitis A vaccine with your child's doctor. Adults at higher risk of getting hepatitis A and people with chronic liver disease should also be vaccinated. If you are traveling to countries where hepatitis A is common, including Mexico, try to get both shots before you go. If you don't have time to get both shots before you travel, get the first shot as soon as possible. Most people gain some protection within 2 weeks after the first shot. You can also protect yourself and others from hepatitis A if you
 What should I do if I think I have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus?See your doctor right away if you think you have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus. A medicine called hepatitis A immune globulin may protect you from getting sick if taken shortly after exposure to the hepatitis A virus. Points to Remember
Pronunciation Guidehepatitis (HEP-uh-TY-tiss) inflammation (IN-fluh-MAY-shuhn) jaundice (JAWN-diss) vaccine (vak-SEEN) virus (VY-ruhss) Reprinted from National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. For More InformationAmerican Liver Foundation Hepatitis Foundation International |
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