Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a type of hepatitis – liver disease – caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The disease is spread primarily through food or water contaminated with feces from an infected person. HAV can become infected by:
* Eating food prepared by a person with HAV who did not wash their hands after using the toilet
* Having anal or oral sex with someone with HAV
* Not washing hands after changing a diaper
* Drinking water contaminated
HAV can cause swelling of the liver, but rarely causes lasting damage. The infected person may feel like you have the flu or have no symptoms. It usually gets better on its own after a few weeks.
The hepatitis A vaccine can prevent infection with HAV. Healthy habits can also make a difference. Wash your hands before preparing food, after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. International travelers should be careful not to drink tap water.
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