Hepatitis A: Symptoms, Causes, Risk factors, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

 

The hepatitis A virus is the cause of hepatitis A, a highly contagious liver infection. The virus is one of several hepatitis virus types that impair liver function and induce inflammation in the liver.

The most common ways to contract hepatitis A are through tainted food or water or by coming into close contact with an infected person or object. Treatment for mild cases of hepatitis A is not necessary. The majority of infected individuals fully recover and experience no permanent liver damage.

Practicing good hygiene, which includes frequent hand washing, can stop the virus from spreading. The hepatitis A vaccine can protect against hepatitis A.

What is Hepatitis A?

The hepatitis A virus is the infectious agent that causes hepatitis A, sometimes known as hep A. A few weeks can pass between a mild illness in some people. Some have more serious problems that may not get better for months.

Most of the time, the hepatitis A virus is not harmful-nearly all those it recover. However, as it may take some time to go away, you'll need to look for yourself throughout that period.

Also Read: Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Causes, Risk factors, Treatment & Prevention

 Symptoms:

Symptoms of hepatitis A usually show up a few weeks after infection. However, not every hepatitis A patient experiences symptoms. If so, the following symptoms may appear:

• Unusually fatigued and weak

• Unexpected queasiness, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Abdominal pain or discomfort, particularly around your liver on the upper right side just below your lower ribs

• Stool with a gray or clay color

• Appetite loss

• Fever of low-grade

• Dark urination

• Joint pain

• Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.

• Intense itchiness

These could be minor symptoms that go away in a few weeks. Hepatitis A can, however, occasionally cause a serious sickness that lasts for several months.

Causes:

A virus that infects liver cells and produces inflammation is the cause of hepatitis A. Inflammation can impair liver function and lead to further hepatitis A symptoms.

Fecal-oral transmission is the process by which the virus spreads when infected excrement, even in minute amounts, gets into the mouth of another individual. When you eat or drink something contaminated with infected stool, you run the risk of contracting hepatitis A. Additionally, you could contract an infection by living in close contact with a hepatitis A patient. The virus has a few months to survive on surfaces. Sneezing, coughing, or casual touching are not ways for the virus to spread.

The hepatitis A virus can spread in the following specific ways:

• By eating food handled by an infected person who neglects to wash their hands thoroughly after using the restroom

• By drinking contaminated water

• By eating food that has been cleaned in contaminated water

•  By consuming raw shellfish from sewage-polluted water

• By being in close proximity to an infected person, even if they are symptomless

•  and by engaging in sexual activity with an infected person

Factors at risk

Hepatitis A is more likely to strike you if you:

• Travel or work somewhere in the world where hepatitis A is common

• Cohabitate with a hepatitis A carrier

• Are you a man who interacts sexually with other men?

• Engage in any kind of sexual activity with a hepatitis A carrier

• Possess HIV

• Are homeless

• Use recreational drugs of any kind, not just injectables

• Lack of safe water

A diagnosis of hepatitis A:

Initially, your physician will inquire about your symptoms and perform a blood test to detect elevated liver enzyme levels. After that, a blood test will be performed to check for antibodies and antigens associated with hepatitis.

The hepatitis virus contains chemicals called antigens. Your immune system produces antibodies as a means of fighting off viruses. Two categories exist:

• IgM antibodies (immunoglobulin M). When you are first exposed to hepatitis A, your body produces these. They remain in your bloodstream for three to six months.

• Immunoglobulin G, or IgG, antibodies. These appear when the virus has had some time to infect your body. They might stick with you forever. They guard you from contracting hepatitis A. If you get a positive test for them but not for IgM antibodies, you either have had hepatitis A in the past or had vaccinations against it.

Complications:

Hepatitis A does not result in chronic infection or long-term liver damage, in contrast to other forms of viral hepatitis.

Rarely, particularly in older adults or those with chronic liver problems, hepatitis A can result in an abrupt (acute) loss of liver function. A hospital stay is necessary for the treatment and monitoring of acute liver failure. A liver transplant may be necessary for some patients with acute liver failure.

What hepatitis A treatments are available?

The only thing you can do to treat a hepatitis A infection is to rest and look after yourself. Medical professionals advise you to:

• Stay hydrated. Broths are an excellent source of nourishment and hydration, particularly if you're feeling queasy. Another way to combine healthy calories with hydration is through smoothies.

• At least until your fever and jaundice are gone, remain in bed. After that, if your symptoms haven't subsided for at least a week, you can go back to work or school.

• Avoid clear substances that stress your liver. If at all feasible, give up drugs, alcohol, smoking, and prescription medications. Consult your physician before using any herbs.

• Keep in touch. They'll want to follow up with you from time to time to make sure things are getting better. If your symptoms are severe, they may want to keep a closer eye on you.

In some cases, your doctor might suggest certain drugs to treat your symptoms or take the place of other regular prescriptions. It's crucial to take only medications that have been authorized by your doctor. Herbs and supplements are among the drugs that may harm your liver.

Is there a hepatitis A prophylactic treatment?

Indeed. Get in touch with your healthcare practitioner if you believe you may have been exposed to hepatitis A. Vaccination within two weeks of exposure can help stop the virus from spreading. To be properly vaccinated, one dosage given promptly after exposure may prevent infection, but two to three doses are required.

Healthcare professionals may also suggest an immune globulin injection in specific circumstances. This is a material derived from human blood that has anti-virus antibodies in it. If the vaccination is contraindicated (shouldn't be used) for you due to any previous conditions, they normally recommend it as an alternative.

Prevention:

The hepatitis A vaccination can protect against viral infection. Usually, the vaccination is administered in a pair of shots. Six months after the initial injection, a booster shot is administered. It is possible to administer the hepatitis B vaccine in addition to the hepatitis A vaccine. The three doses of this vaccination are spaced out over  six months.

The following individuals should get the hepatitis A vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• All children under the age of one, or older kids not vaccinated against childhood diseases

• Anyone homeless for a year or more

• Infants between the ages of six and eleven months who travel to countries where hepatitis A has become common

• Adoptees' relatives and caregivers from countries where hepatitis A has become common

• People who have had intimate touch with a hepatitis A carrier

• Employees in laboratories who could be exposed to hepatitis A

• Individuals who use recreational drugs of any kind, not only injectable ones

• People suffering from chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C

• Anyone wishing to obtain immunity or protection

• Personal hygiene practices include routinely washing your hands before and after using the bathroom and before meals.

References:

• Lab Tests Online: “Hepatitis A Testing,” “Immunoglobulin G (IgG),” “Immunoglobulin M (IgM).”

• Better Health Channel. Hepatitis A (https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hepatitis-a). Accessed 2/28/2023.

• Hepatitis A questions and answers for health professionals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/havfaq.htm. Accessed June 30, 2022.

• Hepatitis A questions and answers for the public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/afaq.htm#overview. Accessed June 30, 2022.

• Hepatitis A. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/viral-hepatitis/hepatitis-a. Accessed June 30, 2022.
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• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis A (https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/index.htm). Accessed 2/28/2023.

• Langan RC, Goodbred AJ. Hepatitis A (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34652109/). Am Fam Physician. 2021 Oct 1;104(4):368-374. Accessed 2/28/2023.

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hepatitis A (https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/viral-hepatitis/hepatitis-a). Accessed 2/28/2023

• World Health Organization. Hepatitis A (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-a). Accessed 2/28/2023.

• Nelson NP, et al. Prevention of hepatitis A virus infection in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2020. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2020; doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr6905a1.

• Recommended vaccinations for infants and children. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/child-easyread.html. Accessed June 30, 2022.

• Choose safe food and drinks when traveling. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/food-water-safety. Accessed June 30, 2022.