What Is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver. It is caused by a virus. It is passed from person to person through close contact with someone who is infected. A person can also get it from objects, foods, or drinks that are contaminated.

The infection can cause harm to the liver. It may not always cause problems, but some people may have:

• Tiredness
• Lack of hunger
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Belly pain
• Yellowing of the eyes and skin
• Dark urine
• Light or chalky colored stools
• Rash

The infection often goes away on its own in 2 months. People with severe problems may need a liver transplant. This is not common.

What Is the Hepatitis A Vaccine?    TOP

This vaccine is an inactivated form of the hepatitis A virus. It is given as a shot in the arm.

There is also a combined vaccine that protects against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

Who Should Get Vaccinated and When?    TOP

This vaccine is advised for all children aged 12 to 23 months. The second dose should be given at least 6 months after the first dose. The vaccine should also be given to children 2 through 18 years of age who were not vaccinated in the past.

Adults who were not vaccinated in the past can also get the vaccine. It is also advised for:

• People who travel to places where hepatitis A is common
• Men who have sex with men
• Drug users
• People who are at risk because of their job
• People who will have close contact with an adopted child from a place where hepatitis A is common
• Homeless people
• People with HIV
• People with chronic liver disease
• People who want to be immune to hepatitis A

Are There Any Risks From Getting the Hepatitis A Vaccine?    TOP

Mild problems may be:

• Soreness at the site of injection
• Fever
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Lack of hunger

Rarely, a severe allergic reaction may cause:

• Skin rash
• Swelling of the face and throat
• Problems breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Lightheadedness
• Weakness

Who Should Not Get Vaccinated?    TOP

People who should not get vaccinated are:

• Children under 1 year of age
• People who have already had hepatitis A
• People who have had a severe allergic reaction to the hepatitis A vaccine or its parts
• People who are very ill

What Else Can I Do To Prevent Hepatitis A?    TOP

• Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, changing a diaper, and before handling food.
• Heat foods to 185 °F (degrees Fahrenheit); 85 °C (degrees Celsius) for 1 minute.
• Disinfect surfaces.
• Do not come into contact with uncooked foods when traveling to places where hepatitis A is common

What Happens in the Event of an Outbreak?    TOP

If a food-borne outbreak happens, the source will be identified and eliminated. In any hepatitis A outbreak, the public will get vaccinated to prevent the virus from spreading.