Hepatitis A is the most common of the seven known types of viral hepatitis. Infection with the hepatitis A virus leads to inflammation of the liver, but complications are rarely serious.
Symptoms
It is possible to experience mild or no symptoms whatsoever, but even if this is the case the person’s faeces will still be infectious to others. Many people who become infected with HAV will have symptoms that include:
- nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
- loss of appetite.
- a short, mild, flu-like illness.
- weight loss.
- jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, darker yellow urine and pale faeces).
- itchy skin.
- abdominal pain.
The infection usually clears in up to 2 months, but may occasionally recur or persist longer in some people. Once a person has been infected and their body has fought off the virus they are permanently immune.
How It’s Passed On
The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is found in the faeces of someone infected with the virus. It only takes a tiny amount of faeces getting inside another person’s mouth to cause hepatitis A infection. Personal hygiene, such as careful hand washing, can minimise the risk of the virus being passed on.
Hepatitis A is also classed as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) because it can be passed on sexually, particularly during activities such as anilingus (rimming). The washing of genital and anal areas before sex, and the use of condoms or dental dams can help to prevent this risk.
Once a person is exposed to the virus it takes between 2 and 6 weeks to produce symptoms.
Getting Help
If you have any symptoms or you are worried you may have been infected with hepatitis A, you should discuss your worries with a doctor.
What Does a Positive Test Result Mean?
HAV is tested for using a blood test. A positive test result means the patient has either had a past infection or is currently infected. The type of antibody detected in the test will indicate whether the infection is current or has been cleared. A patient who tests positive may be asked about recent contacts and sexual partners that may need to be tested too. A patient who has already had the infection and fought it off is naturally immune to HAV.
What Does a Negative Test Result Mean?
A negative test result means the patient is not infected with Hepatitis A. If the patient is believed to be at high or ongoing risk of infection, the doctor may advice immunisation.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for HAV and most people fight off the virus naturally, returning to full health within a couple of months. The doctor will advise avoiding alcohol and fatty foods as these can be hard for the liver to process and may exacerbate the inflammation.
Patients should get plenty of rest and eat a nutritious diet. They should also ensure they do not spread HAV by washing their hands after using the toilet and before preparing food.
Immunisation
Hepatitis A immunisation is given in a series of injections. The first single injection in the arm gives protection for a year. The second booster injection at 6 to 12 months extends protection for up to 10 years.
Follow Up
Someone who is infected with hepatitis A should limit the amount of alcohol they drink. Their doctor may also offer dietary advice.
