1. How could I have gotten the virus without knowing it?
The virus is found in contaminated water and feces. You may have eaten raw fruit or vegetables handled by an infected person who did not wash their hands properly or you may have eaten raw or improperly cooked seafood that had fed in contaminated waters. Children are often infected by HAV and either do not become sick or have very mild symptoms, such as fever and diarrhea, and are often thought to have "flu."
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2. If I have hepatitis A, how long will I be contagious?
You can spread the disease to others from the time you are first infected up until symptoms begin to appear, which can be about 4 weeks. Generally, adults are contagious for 2 weeks after contracting the disease. However, children and individuals who are may be contagious for up to 6 months.
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3. How is hepatitis A treated?
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Mild forms of the disease usually resolve on their own and leave no lasting damage to the liver. The focus is usually on supportive therapy, making sure you are getting enough fluids and nutrition by eating and drinking small amounts several times a day. In rare cases, fulminant hepatitis, a life-threatening form that causes liver failure, requires hospitalization. Hepatitis A tends to be more severe in older persons and in those who also have chronic
liver disease, so person with acute hepatitis A in those settings will be watched more closely.
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4. Is there a way to prevent hepatitis A?
Yes. There is a
vaccine available. It is recommended for all children at age 1 year and for those who are at an increased risk of exposure to the virus such as:
- children or adolescents from 2-18 years old who live in parts of the United States where hepatitis A is common
- people traveling to developing countries with a high rate of hepatitis A
- illegal drug users
- men who have sex with men
The vaccine is also recommended for those who are at a greater risk for complications from the disease, including people with chronic liver disease and those who have damage to their liver from some other cause.
If it is known that you were exposed to the hepatitis A virus, you may be given the vaccine to prevent the disease.
Hepatitis A can also be prevented with good hygiene. This includes washing hands well after using the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before eating or starting any food preparation.
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