Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Several different viruses cause viral hepatitis. They are named the hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses.

All of these viruses cause acute, or short-term, viral hepatitis. The hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can also cause chronic hepatitis, in which the infection is prolonged, sometimes lifelong.

Other viruses may also cause hepatitis, but they have yet to be discovered and they are obviously rare causes of the disease.

Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis

Symptoms include
	jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
	fatigue
	abdominal pain
	loss of appetite
	nausea
	vomiting
	diarrhea
	low grade fever
	headache

However, some people do not have symptoms.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver disease.

Hepatitis (HEP-ah-TY-tis) makes your liver swell and stops it from working right.

You need a healthy liver. The liver does many things to keep you alive. The liver fights infections and stops bleeding. It removes drugs and other poisons from your blood. The liver also stores energy for when you need it.

What causes hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus.

A virus is a germ that causes sickness. (For example, the flu is caused by a virus.) People can pass viruses to each other. The virus that causes hepatitis A is called the hepatitis A virus.

How could I get hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is spread by close personal contact with someone else who has the infection.

You could also get hepatitis A by
	eating food that has been prepared by someone with hepatitis A
	drinking water that has been contaminated by hepatitis A (in parts of the world with poor hygiene and sanitary conditions)

Who can get hepatitis A?

Anyone can get hepatitis A.

But some people are more likely to than others:
	people who live with someone who has hepatitis A
	children who go to day care
	people who work in a day care center
	men who have sex with men
	people who travel to other countries where hepatitis A is common

Hepatitis A can make you feel like you have the flu.

You might
	feel tired
	feel sick to your stomach
	have a fever
	not want to eat
	have stomach pain
	have diarrhea

Some people have
	dark yellow urine
	light-colored stools
	yellowish eyes and skin

If you have symptoms or think you might have hepatitis A, go to a doctor. The doctor will test your blood.

How is hepatitis A treated?

Most people who have hepatitis A get well on their own after a few weeks.

You may need to rest in bed for several days or weeks, and you won't be able to drink alcohol until you are well. The doctor may give you medicine for your symptoms.

How can I protect myself?

You can get the hepatitis A vaccine.

A vaccine is a drug that you take when you are healthy that keeps you from getting sick. Vaccines teach your body to attack certain viruses, like the hepatitis A virus.

The hepatitis A vaccine is given through a shot. Children can get the vaccine after they turn 2 years old. Children aged 2 to 18 will need three shots. The shots are spread out over a year. Adults get two or three shots over 6 to 12 months.

You need all of the shots to be protected. If you are traveling to other countries, make sure you get all the shots before you go. If you miss a shot, call your doctor or clinic right away to set up a new appointment.

You can protect yourself and others from hepatitis A in these ways, too:
	Always wash your hands after using the toilet and before fixing food or eating.
	Wear gloves if you have to touch other people's stool. Wash your hands afterwards.
	Drink bottled water when you are in another country. (And don't use ice cubes or wash fruits and vegetables in tap water.)

Primarily through food or water contaminated by feces from an infected person. Rarely, it spreads through contact with infected blood.

International travelers; people living in areas where hepatitis A outbreaks are common; people who live with or have sex with an infected person; and, during outbreaks, day care children and employees, men who have sex with men, and injection drug users.

The hepatitis A vaccine; also, avoiding tap water when traveling internationally and practicing good hygiene and sanitation.

Hepatitis A usually resolves on its own over several weeks.