Also called: HAV
Hepatitis A is one type of hepatitis - a liver disease - caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The disease is spread primarily through food or water contaminated by stool from an infected person. You can get HAV from
Eating food prepared by someone with HAV who did not wash their hands after using the bathroom
Having anal/oral sex with someone with HAV
Not washing your hands after changing a diaper
Drinking contaminated water
HAV can cause swelling of the liver, but it rarely causes lasting damage. You may feel as if you have the flu, or you may have no symptoms at all. It usually gets better on its own after several weeks.
The hepatitis A vaccine can prevent HAV. Healthy habits also make a difference. Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food, after using the toilet or after changing a diaper. International travelers should be careful about drinking tap water.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Start Here
Hepatitis A(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Also available in Spanish
JAMA Patient Page: Hepatitis A Virus(American Medical Association)
Also available in Spanish
What I Need to Know about Hepatitis A(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
Also available in Spanish
Hepatitis A is one type of hepatitis - a liver disease - caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The disease is spread primarily through food or water contaminated by stool from an infected person. You can get HAV from
Eating food prepared by someone with HAV who did not wash their hands after using the bathroom
Having anal/oral sex with someone with HAV
Not washing your hands after changing a diaper
Drinking contaminated water
HAV can cause swelling of the liver, but it rarely causes lasting damage. You may feel as if you have the flu, or you may have no symptoms at all. It usually gets better on its own after several weeks.
The hepatitis A vaccine can prevent HAV. Healthy habits also make a difference. Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food, after using the toilet or after changing a diaper. International travelers should be careful about drinking tap water.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Start Here
Hepatitis A(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Also available in Spanish
JAMA Patient Page: Hepatitis A Virus(American Medical Association)
Also available in Spanish
What I Need to Know about Hepatitis A(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
Also available in Spanish
