Hepatitis A: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Hepatitis A is usually a self-limiting infection, with most people making a full recovery with appropriate treatment and care. It can, however, cause severe symptoms, and in rare cases, lead to acute liver failure. Recognising the infection and seeking timely medical care, therefore, are important to reduce the risk of complications. To help, in this article, we’ll cover the symptoms, causes and treatment of hepatitis A, along with some effective prevention tips. Let’s start with understanding the disorder. 

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a contagious viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and mainly spreads when a person ingests the virus through contaminated food or water or has close contact with an infected person.

Hepatitis A is an acute infection, which means it does not usually become a long-term liver infection. Most people recover completely, although symptoms can last for several weeks or, in some cases, longer. A person who recovers from hepatitis A develops lifelong immunity to the virus.

What Causes Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), which infects liver cells and triggers inflammation in the liver. The virus spreads primarily through the faecal-oral route, when a person ingests the virus after consuming contaminated food or water or through close contact with an infected person.

The virus can spread from an infected person even before symptoms become noticeable. Poor hand hygiene after using the toilet or changing a nappy can also allow the virus to reach food, surfaces or other people. Common routes of transmission include:

• Contaminated Food: Eating food handled by someone infected with HAV or food contaminated during preparation.
• Contaminated Water: Drinking water contaminated with faecal matter containing the virus.
• Close Contact: Having close physical contact with an infected person, particularly in households or other settings where people have frequent contact.
• Sexual Contact: Certain sexual practices involving contact with faecal matter can transmit HAV.

What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A does not cause noticeable symptoms in everyone, particularly in young children. When symptoms occur, they usually develop after an incubation period of around 2 to 6 weeks following infection and can range from general signs of illness to changes associated with liver inflammation.

Common symptoms of hepatitis A include:

• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.
• Fever: A raised body temperature, often accompanied by a general feeling of illness.
• Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to eat, which may occur with nausea.
• Nausea: A feeling of sickness that may sometimes lead to vomiting.
• Abdominal Discomfort: Pain or discomfort, particularly in the upper right side of the abdomen.
• Dark Urine: Urine may become darker than usual as bilirubin levels rise.
• Pale Stools: Stools may become unusually light or clay-coloured.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by increased bilirubin levels.
• Joint Pain: Aching or discomfort in the joints, which can occur with hepatitis A.

Symptoms generally appear after the incubation period and may continue for several weeks.

How is Hepatitis A Treated?

There is no specific antiviral medicine that treats hepatitis A. Treatment mainly focuses on supporting the body while the immune system clears the virus, managing symptoms and preventing complications. Main treatment approaches include:

Oral Fluids

Adequate fluid intake helps prevent dehydration during recovery. Water, oral rehydration solutions and other suitable fluids can help replace fluids lost through vomiting, diarrhoea or reduced intake. People who struggle to drink because of persistent nausea or vomiting may need medical assessment.

IV Fluids

Intravenous fluids may be given in a hospital when oral fluid intake is inadequate or dehydration becomes significant. Fluids are delivered directly into a vein to restore hydration and maintain the body's fluid and electrolyte balance. This is generally used when a person cannot maintain adequate fluid intake by mouth.

Medicines

Medicines may be prescribed to relieve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever or discomfort. Since hepatitis A affects the liver, medicines should be taken only on medical advice. A doctor may also review existing medicines and supplements to determine whether any should be temporarily stopped or adjusted during the infection.

Nutritional Support

Adequate nutrition is important during recovery, particularly when nausea or loss of appetite reduces food intake. Regular meals with sufficient calories and nutrients can help maintain strength. Smaller meals taken more frequently may be easier to tolerate when appetite is low.

Hospitalisation

Most people with hepatitis A do not need hospitalisation. Severe illness may require admission for monitoring, fluid support and management of complications. Doctors may monitor liver function, hydration and other signs of deterioration, particularly when jaundice becomes severe, vomiting persists or signs of acute liver failure develop.

How Can Hepatitis A be Prevented?

Preventing hepatitis A involves reducing exposure to the hepatitis A virus and limiting its spread. The main preventive measures include:

• Vaccination: The hepatitis A vaccine provides effective protection against HAV. The vaccination schedule varies based on age, health status and the vaccine used.
• Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, changing nappies and before preparing or eating food. Good hand hygiene helps prevent the virus from reaching the mouth.
• Food And Water Safety: Drink safe water and eat properly cooked food. Avoid raw or undercooked shellfish from potentially contaminated water, as these can carry HAV.
• Transmission Prevention: People with hepatitis A should follow medical advice about limiting contact with others during the infectious period. Avoiding food preparation for others and maintaining good hand hygiene can help reduce the risk of transmission.
• Post-Exposure Protection: Anyone exposed to hepatitis A should seek medical advice promptly. Depending on the timing of exposure and individual circumstances, hepatitis A vaccination or immune globulin may help prevent infection.

Consult a Specialist for Hepatitis A

Jaundice, dark urine, fatigue and loss of appetite can signal that the liver is affected and should not be ignored. A gastroenterologist can assess these changes, recommend the necessary tests and determine whether hepatitis A may be the underlying cause. If the test results suggest hepatitis or require specialised liver care, the gastroenterologist may refer the patient to a hepatologist for further evaluation and treatment. Book an appointment with a gastroenterologist  at Sterling Hospitals and get these symptoms checked.