Hepatitis A is a highly infectious virus that is capable of causing inflammation of the liver and can result in varying degrees of liver damage.
Most people with hepatitis A recover from the infection quickly. Some experience no symptoms and therefore will be unaware of the infection. However, for a small minority of people, a severe infection may require a liver transplant.
Hepatitis A is associated with unclean water and poor sewage facilities, poor personal and food hygiene and specific foods such as seafood. It is acquired by drinking water or eating food that is contaminated or from person-to-person contact.
The virus is present in faeces and it is through this route that most sexually transmitted infections are acquired.
There is a vaccine to prevent hepatitis A infection.
Signs and symptoms of hepatitis A Many people infected with hepatitis A will have no or very mild flu-like symptoms. A small minority may experience a severe illness requiring hospital admission. Symptoms may vary in severity and can include:
• Tiredness; • Aches and pains; • Fever; • Muscle aches; • Loss of appetite; • Nausea and sickness; • Stomach ache; • Diarrhoea; • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or whites of the eyes).
Transmission and prevention of hepatitis A • If hands are not washed thoroughly after visiting the toilet; • During food preparation; • During sexual practices involving contact between the mouth and the anus, e.g. rimming (licking the anus).
There are a number of ways to reduce the risk of acquiring the hepatitis A virus. • Avoiding eating food or drinking water that may be contaminated with the virus; • Always washing hands thoroughly after visiting the toilet; • Always washing hands thoroughly before preparing food; • Using a dental dam when the mouth is in contact with the anus (rimming) or vagina.
Treatment of hepatitis A There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. The virus will eventually run its course and most people will make a full recovery although a small minority will experience a severe infection that may require hospital admission. It is generally advised to get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids and eat a nutritious diet. Alcohol and strenuous exercise are not recommended during a hepatitis A infection.
