Hepatitis A is a viral liver disorder caused by infection with Hepatitis A virus and is called acute hepatitis because it doesnt remain for more than 6 months or longer.

About 1 month after hepatitis A virus infection, fever, general malaise, nausea, loss of appetite, and jaundice are can be seen. It can be mistaken as a cold sometimes and little children barely show any symptoms.

Most of the patients recover within 1-2 months after the onset, but very rarely (0.1%), a serious condition called fulminant hepatitis and organs other than the liver may be damaged. It is important to see a doctor if you suspect Hepatitis A infection.

Route of infection and prevention

Hepatitis A virus is often found in the stools of infected people. Trasmission includes ingestion of the stool of the infected person. Hepatitis A virus can remain in the feces of infected person for a relatively long period, starting before the symptoms appear up to 1-2 months after the symptoms disappears.

Persistent epidemics occur in areas with poor sanitation. People can get infected by cooking food without washing their hands well, and it is also prevalent as a sexually transmitted infecction through oral sex. Shellfish and crustaceans are easily contaminated and a person can get infected when these products are eaten raw. Washing your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before handling food is an important prevention method. Avoid risky practices such as oral sex with infected persons, sexual activity such as licking the anus, and drinking contaminated water in poorly sanitized areas.

If you have never been infected with hepatitis A, you can get 3 doses of vaccination.

Hepatitis A was once widespread in Japan, so many elderly people often already have immunity. Antibody (IgG) for hepatitis A can be tested before vaccination.

Testing

A history of traveling to endemic areas, eating shellfish and crustaceans raw, and engaging in risky sexual activity are important information for diagnosis. Please inform your doctors.

A blood test demonstrates antibodies to the hepatitis A virus (IgM antibodies) which can be a confirmation for diagnosis. IgG antibodies that indicate past infections are used to determine the need for vaccination.

For acute hepatitis, serum liver transaminase (ALT or GPT, AST or GOT), an enzyme produced by the liver will increase more than the normal range. Once jaundice appears, the value of bilirubin also increases.

Blood tests and imaging tests may be performed to check whether organs other than the liver are affected, which helps in determining whether they are fulminant due to the infection or other causes.

Treatment

Treatment for the symptoms are the main focus for Hepatits A infection.

Hospitalization might be necessary for patients with severe symptoms or if blood test shows liver damage. During the acute phase live function may be impaired, and so, a low-protein, low-fat diet is believed to improve gastrointestinal symptoms.

Most of the patients recover within 1-2 months after the onset, but very rarely (0.1%), a serious condition called fulminant hepatitis and organs other than the liver may be damaged. Please see a doctor, especially if elderly person is infected due to prolonged prognosis that leads to liver dysfunction.