Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV). It can range from a mild illness, lasting a few weeks, to a severe illness lasting a few months. Hepatitis A cannot become chronic, meaning that once you get sick you will not get sick again.
Hepatitis A is spread when an infected person sheds the virus through their feces (poop). People can become exposed when they do not wash their hands, or when they have direct contact with an infected person. The stool is then ingested by others, and they can become sick. Certain people can be at a higher risk for hepatitis A due to their likelihood of being exposed to others who could be infected.
Those at risk include:
Symptoms of hepatitis A can vary greatly depending on the person, but can include:
Symptoms of hepatitis A usually appear two to six weeks after someone is infected.
Symptoms are more likely to occur in adults than in children. They usually last fewer than two months, but some people can be ill as long as six months or may relapse up to a year later. The illness will go away eventually, and people cannot become chronically infected with hepatitis A like they can with hepatitis B or C.
Diagnosis
Anyone with symptoms of hepatitis A should contact a healthcare provider immediately and should not prepare food for others. A doctor can confirm if someone has hepatitis A with a blood test. People with symptoms should not attend work or school while ill.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Individuals who become ill should seek healthcare immediately; hospitalization may be required for those who have a severe infection. Supportive care can be provided for those who require hospitalization. The best way to prevent hepatitis A is by getting vaccinated before you become sick.
The hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective at preventing hepatitis A. If you believe you have been exposed to hepatitis A or are someone in the high-risk group, contact your healthcare provider or local pharmacy about receiving the hepatitis A vaccine.
Hepatitis A vaccine is the best protection against the virus, and it’s easy to receive from healthcare providers and pharmacies. If you do not have health insurance or your insurance does not cover the cost of vaccines, you might be able to receive the hepatitis A vaccine through one of Indiana’s adult vaccine providers.
Once you or your child start having symptoms of the illness, such as diarrhea, do not attend work (specifically for food handlers, healthcare workers, daycare workers) or attend daycare or school until a healthcare provider or someone from your local health department says you are clear to go back. If you believe you have hepatitis A and have not yet been treated or spoken to a doctor, please be sure to do so. You should be evaluated by a doctor to confirm that you have hepatitis A, and that you get the correct treatment. You should also respond to requests for interview by your local or state public health department. An investigation will take place for every confirmed case of hepatitis A. It is important that you answer the call from your local or state health department so that other people in your home or near you are not at risk of getting hepatitis A as well. An investigation may also look into your exposure to check if other people are at risk.
While you are sick with hepatitis A, do not cook or prepare food or drinks for other people.
Do not go to work if you work in a setting with people who are at high risk for hepatitis A such as:
It is also important that children not attend daycare while they are sick with hepatitis A.
Page last updated/reviewed: December 2024
