Hepatitis A is a highly contagious infection that affects the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe, lifelong illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are approximately 3,000 reported cases of hepatitis A each year in the United States.
Should I Be Worried About Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a serious virus that can cause liver damage, and the symptoms can be severe. While there are very few people who die from hepatitis A-related complications, it can still happen. For these reasons, hepatitis A should be a cause for concern, especially if you or a family member has not received appropriate preventive care treatment against hepatitis A.
How Do You Get Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food, water, and through direct contact with an infected person. You may contract it through the following:
- Eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water are the most common ways that hepatitis A is spread. Contamination typically occurs when someone with the virus prepares food without washing their hands properly after using the toilet. Hepatitis A can be spread through contaminated water or shellfish.
- Having close contact with an infected person, such as through sharing utensils, kissing, or having sex without a condom.
- Traveling to areas where hepatitis A is more common, such as parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. This puts you at risk of coming into contact with contaminated food or water.
- Being exposed to blood from an infected person, such as through needle-sharing during drug use or accidental exposure in a healthcare setting.
What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A does not always cause symptoms, but infected persons may experience fever, fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice. The illness typically lasts for several weeks, and most people recover completely without any long-term effects. However, in some cases, although very rare, hepatitis A can lead to serious liver problems, including scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) or liver failure.
How Do You Protect Yourself Against Hepatitis A?
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A, however, most people recover completely from the disease within a few months. The good news is, there are vaccines available to help prevent the spread of this disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children ages 12-23 months old receive the hepatitis A vaccine as part of their routine immunizations. Adults who are at risk for hepatitis A (such as those with chronic liver disease or those who have had a recent blood transfusion) should also get vaccinated against the virus.
Hepatitis A Treatment in Austin, Texas
The board-certified and fellowship-trained gastroenterologists at Austin Gastroenterology are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating patients with hepatitis A. We will provide you with a customized treatment plan and monitor your condition to ensure you are healing with no long-term damage to your liver. Austin Gastroenterology is proud to have the distinction of providing the best internal care in Central Texas.
To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, call our GI clinic nearest you or use our convenient online request form.
