What is Hepatitis A? Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Prevention Tips

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Unlike other hepatitis, it doesn’t cause long-term liver damage. It is more common in low—and middle-income countries with poor sanitation and hygiene practices. The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, and even close contact. The virus can survive on surfaces, making hygiene an important aspect of transmission.

So, who is at increased risk of getting this virus? You need to be cautious if you are:

•    Travelling or working in areas where Hepatitis A is common.
•    Living with someone infected.
•    Sexually active, especially for men who have sex with men.
•    HIV positive.
•    Involved in drug abuse

Symptoms of Hepatitis A

Symptoms of Hepatitis A usually take 14-28 days to appear after the virus enters your body. Once you are infected with this virus, you can have feelings of tiredness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even develop jaundice. The infection is usually not fatal, and most people recover completely within weeks or months without treatment. 

How To Protect Yourself From Hepatitis A?

Don’t worry; we have vaccines for hepatitis A. As mentioned earlier, the CDC recommends getting this vaccination to people at increased risk of contracting this virus. In addition to vaccination, you should maintain sanitation and hand hygiene and drink boiled water when travelling to endemic regions. 

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