What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis is a viral disease that causes inflammation in the liver. The liver is a vital and important organ that processes nutrients, fights infections and filters blood throughout the body. When it’s inflamed or damaged, the liver has trouble working as it should.

Hepatitis A is found in the stool (feces) and blood of other people who are infected. It is very contagious and can be spread through close contact with an infected person. Types of contact usually include caring for someone who is sick, sharing drugs with others or sexual contact.

Hepatitis A can also be contracted if someone consumes contaminated food or drink. Food can become contaminated at any point from it growing in the field until it reaches your table. This usually happens in countries where the disease is more common and occurs less in the United States.

What are the symptoms and complications
of hepatitis A?

Not everyone who is infected with hepatitis A will have symptoms, but adults are more likely to show symptoms than children. These symptoms will show up between two and seven weeks after infection and last less than two months. However, some people can remain sick for up to six months.

Symptoms of hepatitis A include:

  • Yellow skin or eyes
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Stomach pain or upset stomach
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Joint pain
  • Dark urine or light-colored stools

Almost everyone who contracts hepatitis A recovers fully with a lifelong immunity to the disease.

Who should get the hepatitis A vaccine?

The CDC recommends the following people be vaccinated against hepatitis A:

Children

  • All children 12 to 23 months of age
  • Unvaccinated children and adolescents 2 to 18 years of age (a “catch up” vaccination)

People at increased risk for hepatitis A

  • International travelers
  • Men who have sex with men
  • People who use or inject drugs (all those who use illegal drugs)
  • People with occupational risk for exposure
  • People who anticipate close personal contact with an international adoptee
  • People experiencing homelessness

People at increased risk for severe disease from hepatitis A infection

  • People with chronic liver disease, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C
  • People with HIV

Other people recommended for vaccination

  • Pregnant women at risk for hepatitis A or risk for severe outcome from hepatitis A infection

Talk with your healthcare provider about whether or not you should get the hepatitis A vaccine.

The vaccine may prevent infection
even after you have been exposed!

The vaccine can help prevent hepatitis A
if given within two weeks of exposure.
If you’ve been exposed to hepatitis A,
talk to your healthcare provider about
getting vaccinated.

Is the hepatitis A vaccine safe?

Vaccination is safe and effective and is the best way to protect yourself against hepatitis A.

Routine vaccination for hepatitis A was first recommended in 1999. Since then, cases of hepatitis A in the U.S. have declined tremendously. However, cases have increased in more recent years primarily through person-to-person contact.

Most people do not experience any side effects from the vaccine. The most common side effect is soreness at the site of the injection.

You cannot get hepatitis A from the vaccine.