Hepatitis A

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Hepatitis A?
  • What does a healthy liver do?
  • What causes Hepatitis A?
  • How would I get Hepatitis A?
  • Who is more likely to get Hepatitis A?
  • What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
  • How is Hepatitis A treated?
  • What is the Hepatitis A vaccine?
  • What else can I do to protect myself?
  • How do I schedule a Hepatitis A vaccine?
  • Other Resources


    • What is Hepatitis A?
    Hepatitis A is a liver disease that causes your liver to swell and stops it from working properly.

    It is a different disease than Hepatitis B or C, with different means of transmission and different treatment options.

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    What does a healthy liver do?
    A properly functioning liver fights infections, helps stop bleeding, removes drugs and other poisons from your blood and stores energy for when you need it.

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    What causes Hepatitis A?
    Hepatitis A is caused by a virus, which can be passed on to others in the same household or by eating/drinking contaminated foods and water.

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    How would I get Hepatitis A?
    Hepatitis A is spread by touching stool from a bowel movement by someone who has the virus. The virus can spread when you:

    • Touch an infected person's stool (changing an infected baby's diaper) and then eat or drink.
    • Eat food made by someone who touched infected stool.
    • Drink water made dirty by infected stool (this is a problem in other countries).
    • Have anal sex with an infected person.
    • Kiss an infected person.

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    Who is more likely to get Hepatitis A?
    Anyone can get Hepatitis A, but you are more at risk if you:

    • Have a chronic liver disease.
    • Live with someone who has Hepatitis A.
    • Have children who go to daycare.
    • Work in a daycare center.
    • Are a man who has sex with men.
    • Travel to other countries where Hepatitis A is common.
    • Use illegal drugs.

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    What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
    While some people have no symptoms, these are common:

    • Tiredness
    • Nausea
    • Fever
    • Loss of appetite
    • Stomach pain
    • Diarrhea
    • Dark yellow urine
    • Light-colored stools
    • Yellowish eyes and skin

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    How is Hepatitis A treated?
    Most people will get well on their own after several weeks. You may need to rest in bed for several days or weeks. You should avoid drinking alcohol until you are well. A physician can give you medication for your symptoms, however the medication does not kill the virus.

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    What is the Hepatitis A vaccine?
    The best protection is Hepatitis A vaccine, before you are exposed to the virus.

    The Hepatitis A vaccine consists of a series of shots. You need all the shots to be protected.

    • Adults need two shots, six months apart.
    • Children need three shots, spread out through the year.
    • Children can get shots after the age of two.

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    What can I do to protect myself from Hepatitis A?
    The best protection is a Hepatitis A vaccine, before you are exposed to the virus.

    • Always wash your hands after using the toilet or changing a diaper.
    • Always wash your hands before fixing food.
    • Wear gloves if you must touch other people's stool.
    • Drink bottled water when you are in another country.

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    How do I schedule a Hepatitis A vaccine?
    Contact your doctor. An employer can also schedule a vaccination clinic at the workplace.

    Read More About Hepatitis A

    Read more about Hepatitis A in our Healthwise Knowledgebase:
    Hepatitis A Overview
    Hepatitis A Causes
    What increases your risk
    When to call the Doctor
    Treatment Overview
    Medications
    Hepatitis A Vaccine
    Antibody Test for Hepatitis A