Hepatitis A Disease

What is hepatitis A?

• Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by a virus.
• Hepatitis A only occurs as a new infection, and does not become chronic.
• There is no cure for hepatitis A, but your healthcare provider may treat the symptoms.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?

• Symptoms of Hep A may include:
  -- Fever
  -- Feeling tired 
  -- Decreased appetite
  -- Nausea and/or vomiting
  -- Stomach pain or discomfort
  -- Dark urine
  -- Clay-colored stool
  -- Joint pain
  -- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Usually occur 15-50 days after being exposed to the virus.
• If you have any of the symptoms, please consult with your healthcare provider immediately.

How does hepatitis A spread?

• Hepatitis A virus is spread by the infected people’s contaminated objects, food, drinks, and feces (poop). 
• Person-to-person contact
  -- An infected person who does not wash his or her hands properly after going to the bathroom and touches other objects, food, or drink.
  -- A parent or caregiver who does not properly wash hands after changing diapers or cleaning up the stool of an infected person.
  -- Someone who has sex or sexual contact with an infected person, not limited to anal-oral contact.
  -- During high-risk situations like using streets drugs, homelessness, and/or having anal and oral sex.
• Contaminated food or water
  -- Eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the virus, which may include ready-to-eat food. The food and drinks most likely to be contaminated are fruits, vegetables, shellfish, ice, and water. 

How do I protect myself and my family?

• Hepatitis A vaccine and proper hand washing are the only ways to prevent getting the virus. 

Who should get the hepatitis A vaccine?

• All children at age 1 year
• Anyone who is at increased risk for infection, including those who have 
  -- Used street drug
  -- Men having sex with men
  -- Homeless and transient living
  -- Direct contact with someone with hepatitis A
  -- Travel outside of the United States
  -- Have an occupational risk
  -- Have chronic liver disease
  -- Have clotting factor disorders
• Persons who are at increased risk for complications from hepatitis A
• Any person wishing to obtain immunity (protection).

Which vaccine should I get?

• For people aged 1 year of age and older, there are two vaccines that protect against hepatitis A disease. Two doses are needed given at least 6 months apart.
• For people aged 18 years of age and older, there is one combination vaccine that protect against hepatitis A and B disease. Three doses are needed for full protection.

What are the side effects and risks?

• Vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing side effects. 
• Most people do not have any side effects from the vaccine, but common minor problems include: 
  -- Soreness or swelling where the shot was given 
  -- Fever 
  -- Headache
  -- Tiredness
• The risk of the hepatitis A vaccine causing serious harm or death is extremely rare. 

Where can I find more information?

• Ask your healthcare provider or county health department.
• Email the Alabama Department of Public Health, Immunization Division, at [email protected] or call 1-800-469-4599.
• Go to cdc.gov and type ‘Hepatitis A’ and/or ‘Hepatitis A vaccine’ in the SEARCH box.