What is hepatitis a?

Hepatitis A is a liver infection. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is found in the stool of a person who has the disease. It is spread when people eat food or drink water that has come in contact with the infected stool. This can happen if a person eats food prepared by someone who doesn't wash their hands after changing a diaper or going to the bathroom. It also can be spread when people touch items that have infected stool on them, and then drink or eat without washing their hands.

In countries that have poor sewer systems, people can get the virus by drinking the water or eating foods washed in the water.

A person can get the hepatitis A virus only once. After that, the body builds up a defense against it.

Symptoms may include:

• Tiredness.
• Nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
• Vomiting.

Symptoms usually last about 3 months. They go away on their own in almost all cases and do not need treatment. Although hepatitis A is an infection of the liver, the disease does not lead to long-term liver problems.

Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and where you have eaten or traveled. You may have blood tests. These tests can tell if your liver is inflamed and whether you have antibodies to the hepatitis A virus. These antibodies show that you have been exposed to the virus.

There is no treatment for hepatitis A. You get better on your own. You can take steps to help yourself feel better:

• Reduce your activity level to meet your energy level.
• Eat regular meals. If you feel sick to your stomach, eat many small meals rather than three large meals.
• To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids. Choose water and other clear liquids until you feel better. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. Using drugs or alcohol may make the disease last longer.

• Limit activity to match your child's energy.
• Make sure that the doctor knows all the medicines your child takes. Some medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can make liver problems worse. Do not give your child any new medicines unless the doctor says it's okay.
• Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed.
• If your child has nausea or vomiting, try smaller meals more often.
• Give your child plenty of fluids.
• If your child has itchy skin, be sure your child keeps cool, stays out of the sun, and wears cotton clothes. Talk to the doctor about medicines for itchy skin.

Prevention

• Be sure your child washes hands with soap and clean, running water right after using the toilet and before eating.
• If your child is still in diapers, wash your hands well after every diaper change.