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Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the most common viral hepatitis and is transmitted through oral contact with infected fecal matter, mostly through close personal contact (including oral/anal sex) and contaminated food and water. HAV is a short-term or acute infection, as the body usually resolves the infection within the first six months. There is a vaccine available for hepatitis A to prevent infection.
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for men who have sex with men, drug users, people living with HIV and people with chronic liver disease among others. The STD/Prevention Branch offers limited hepatitis A vaccine for people who do not have insurance or are unable to receive the vaccine through their doctor.
For more information about the hepatitis A vaccine, click here.
Hepatitis A Fact Sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS |
Adults will have signs and symptoms more often than children. |
- jaundice
- fatigue
- abdominal pain
- loss of appetite
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CAUSE |
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LONG-TERM EFFECTS |
- There is no chronic (long-term) infection.
- Once you have had hepatitis A you cannot get it again.
- About 15% of people infected with HAV will have prolonged or relapsing symptoms over a 6-9 month period.
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TRANSMISSION |
- HAV is found in the stool (feces) of persons with hepatitis A.
- HAV is usually spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth (even though it may look clean) that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A.
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PERSONS AT RISK OF INFECTION |
- Household contacts of infected persons
- Sex contacts of infected persons
- Persons, especially children, living in areas with increased rates of hepatitis A during the baseline period from 1987-1997 ).
- Persons traveling to countries where hepatitis A is common.
- Men who have sex with men
- Injecting and non-injecting drug users
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PREVENTION |
- Hepatitis A vaccine is the best protection.
- Short-term protection against hepatitis A is available from immune globulin. It can be given before and within 2 weeks after coming in contact with HAV.
- Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing and eating food.
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VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS |
Vaccine is recommended for the following persons 2 years of age and older:
- Travelers to areas with increased rates of hepatitis A
- Men who have sex with men
- Injecting and non-injecting drug users
- Persons with clotting-factor disorders (e.g. hemophilia)
- Persons with chronic liver disease
- Children living in areas with increased rates of hepatitis A during the baseline period from 1987-1997.
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TRENDS & STATISTICS
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- Occurs in epidemics both nationwide and in communities
- During epidemic years, the number of reported cases reached 35,000.
- In the late 1990s, hepatitis A vaccine was more widely used and the number of cases reached historic lows.
- One-third of Americans have evidence of past infection (immunity).
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Click here to download a PDF version of this fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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