What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A (hep A) is a contagious virus that affects the liver. Hep A can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting months. The virus is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause inflammation and affect your liver's ability to function properly.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis A? |
People infected with hep A can have a variety of symptoms. Some people do not get sick at all but they can still spread the infection to others. Often people with hep A develop the following symptoms 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus:
Symptoms are often mild, typically lasting one to two weeks. In severe cases, the symptoms can last several months. For pregnant women, hep A is more serious and can be fatal, particularly for women in their third trimester. There is currently an approved vaccine for hep A. Once vaccinated you are immune for life. If you have already had the virus, your body has developed a natural immunity. |
How does someone get hepatitis A? |
The hep A virus is spread from person to person through contact with infected feces (stool). People can carry the virus without showing any symptoms, then spread it to other people, foods or surfaces. Most commonly, the virus spreads through:
Food sources of hep A include:
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How do I get tested for hepatitis A? |
A blood test is used to diagnose hep A. This blood test can reveal if an individual currently has hep A, has had hep A in the past (resolved) or has previously received the vaccine. |
What is the treatment for hepatitis A? |
There is no medication to treat hepatitis A. Most people are sick for about 1 to 2 weeks and then recover, while others may develop more serious illness. It is important to see your healthcare provider if you think you might be sick with hepatitis A. After recovering from the illness, a person is considered immune and protected against hepatitis A in the future. |
How do I protect myself from hepatitis A? |
The following tips will help protect you and your family from hep A:
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How do I practice safer sex? |
cDownload fact sheet - Hepatitis A - Practising safer sex and safer drug use (PDF) |
How do I practice safer drug use? |
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For more information:
- Canadian Liver Foundation - www.liver.ca, or call 1-800-563-5483
- Health Canada www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
- Ontario Ministry of Health - www.hepcontario.ca
- www.catie.ca (Canada’s source of HIV and hepatitis C information) or call their toll-free telephone line at 1-800-236-1638
- Call the Sexual Health Infoline Ontario at 1-800-668-2437 if you have questions or need help.
- www.sexandu.ca
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