What is Hepatitis A?

Everything you need to

know about

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a virus commonly referred to as HAV. It is

most commonly found in individuals living in developing
countries. HAV infection will often cause acute
inflammation of the liver lasting less than 4 weeks
chronic infection is rare. HAV is transmitted via the fecaloral route. The course of infection occurs over 4 phases
ending in life long immunity.

A Patient Education Resource

For more information and to see references:
hep-a.weebly.com

How would I get Hepatitis A?

How will I know if I have HAV?

There are many ways that you can contract HAV,

however common risk factors include:

Common signs and symptoms include:

Travelling to endemic areas (Africa, Asia,

Central & South America)
Eating or drinking in places with poor sanitation
Having underlying chronic liver disease (may
put you at higher risk of developing a severe
case of HAV)
Using IV drugs
Men who have sex with other men

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Dark Urine
Fever
Headache

Abdominal Pain
Loss of Appetite
Fatigue
Weight loss
Jaundice
Reduced desire to
smoke/drink

How can I avoid getting HAV?

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting HAV is to get vaccinated. There are a variety
of vaccines available so everyone is able to get vaccinated. However if you have not been vaccinated and believe you
may have contracted the virus, there is a post-exposure immunization that can be given within 14 days of exposure.
The vaccines are generally well tolerated and if reactions do occur they are most often mild and transient.
Aside from getting vaccinated, taking special precautions can also reduce the risk of infection:
Heating foots to 85 C
Implementing effective environmental sanitation
Practicing hand hygiene
Avoiding contact with uncooked foods

What do I do if I think I have

HAV?

What will happen when I visit a

Health Care Professional?

There is no cure for HAV because it is a viral disease,

after visiting a health care professional you will likely
be encouraged to:

To be diagnosed, a nurse will ask you some questions:

Have you been in contact with a person infected
with HAV?
Have you travelled anywhere recently?
Have you eaten any undercooked foods or raw
fruits/vegetables in unsanitary conditions?
Have you had any unsafe drinking water?
Do you have a personal or family history of
gastrointestinal illnesses or liver disorders?

Avoid alcohol and taking medication that affects

the liver
Bed rest until fever, jaundice, and appetite return
Maintain comfort and adequate nutrition
Treat nausea and diarrhea as required

When I visit a nurse, what will

they do to check for HAV?

Take your vital signs

Check for weight changes

Check for pain in abdomen

Take blood for specific blood tests