Hepatitis A is caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV). Transmission occurs by the fecal-oral route, either by direct contact with an HAV-infected person or
by ingestion of HAV-contaminated food or water
. Foodborne or waterborne hepatitis A outbreaks are relatively uncommon in the United States.
Where is hepatitis A commonly found?
Risk Areas
HAV infection occurs worldwide but is most common in
developing countries with inadequate sanitation
, limited access to clean water, and poor hygienic conditions (especially in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East, and the Western Pacific).
What foods can you get hepatitis A from?
You can catch hepatitis A if: You eat or drink food or water that has been contaminated by stools (feces) containing the hepatitis A virus.
Unpeeled and uncooked fruits and vegetables, shellfish, ice, and water
are common sources of the disease.
What foods to avoid if you have hepatitis A?
When traveling in areas where hepatitis A is common, avoid eating
raw fruits and vegetables, shellfish, ice, and untreated water
.
What do you get hepatitis A from?
Hepatitis A can be spread from
close, personal contact with an infected person
, such as through certain types of sexual contact (like oral-anal sex), caring for someone who is ill, or using drugs with others. Hepatitis A is very contagious, and people can even spread the virus before they feel sick.
Is hepatitis A contagious through saliva?
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is
shed in feces but also in saliva
. HAV RNA was detected in saliva in five out of six acutely infected patients with HAV viremia.
How long is hepatitis A contagious for?
How long will I be contagious? You are most contagious soon after you are infected. Adults who are otherwise healthy are no longer contagious
two weeks after the
illness begins. Children and people with weak immune systems may be contagious for up to six months.
Who is most likely to get hepatitis A?
- Employees of daycare centers.
- Institutional care workers.
- Laboratory workers who handle live hepatitis A virus.
- People who handle primate animals that may be carrying the hepatitis A virus.
Does Hep A Go Away?
The infection will go away on its own, usually
within a few weeks or months
. In rare cases, HAV can cause liver failure. If that happens, the person will need a liver transplant.
Which is worse hepatitis A or hepatitis B?
Like hepatitis A,
hepatitis B
(HBV) is a communicable liver infection (which is caused by the hepatitis B virus). However, the main difference between the two is that HBV can become a chronic, long-term illness for some, causing serious health issues like cirrhosis or liver cancer.
What is the fastest way to cure hepatitis A?
No specific treatment exists for hepatitis A
. Your body will clear the hepatitis A virus on its own. In most cases of hepatitis A, the liver heals within six months with no lasting damage.
Can we eat egg in hepatitis A?
Most people with hepatitis need the amount of
protein
recommended in Canada's Food Guide. Eat foods with protein at each meal: 2 to 3 servings a day of Meat and Alternatives such as lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes (beans and lentils), tofu, nuts and seeds.
What organs does hepatitis A affect?
Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that infects
liver cells
and causes inflammation. The inflammation can affect how your liver works and cause other signs and symptoms of hepatitis A. The virus most commonly spreads when you eat or drink something contaminated with fecal matter, even just tiny amounts.
Can you get Hep A from a toilet seat?
A: Hepatitis C is spread by direct contact with infected blood.
The virus cannot be passed through toilet seats
.
How long does hepatitis A stay in the body?
Your body makes these when you're first exposed to hepatitis A. They stay in your blood for
about 3 to 6 months
. IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies.
How long can you have hepatitis A without knowing?
It can take
15–50 days
to develop symptoms (aver- age 28 days). People with hepatitis A virus infection might not have any signs or symptoms of the infec- tion. Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children. About 7 out of 10 adults have symptoms, while children less than age 6 years usually have no symptoms.
