Acute Hepatitis A
What is Acute Hepatitis A?
Acute Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. The virus inflames the liver and affects how well it works. Most people recover fully within two months without lasting liver damage.
Unlike Hepatitis B and C, Hepatitis A does not cause chronic or long-term infection. Your immune system clears the virus from your body over time. Once you recover, you develop lifelong immunity and cannot get Hepatitis A again.
The condition spreads through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. It remains one of the most common vaccine-preventable infections worldwide. Early detection helps you manage symptoms and prevents spreading the virus to others.
Symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness that can be severe
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper right side
- Dark urine that looks like tea or cola
- Clay-colored or pale stools
- Jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Low-grade fever, usually under 102°F
- Joint pain and itching
Some people, especially young children, may have no symptoms at all. Adults are more likely to develop noticeable symptoms than children. Symptoms typically appear two to six weeks after exposure to the virus.
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Causes and risk factors
Hepatitis A spreads when someone ingests the virus, even in microscopic amounts. The virus lives in the stool of infected people. You can get infected by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the virus. You can also get it through close personal contact with an infected person, including sexual contact or caring for someone who is ill.
Common risk factors include traveling to countries where Hepatitis A is common, eating raw or undercooked shellfish from contaminated water, and living with or having close contact with an infected person. Men who have sex with men, people who use drugs, and people experiencing homelessness face higher risk. Poor sanitation and lack of clean water increase transmission rates.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose Acute Hepatitis A with a blood test that looks for Hepatitis A IgM antibodies. Your immune system makes these specific antibodies when you have a recent or active infection. The presence of IgM antibodies confirms you currently have Hepatitis A rather than past exposure.
Rite Aid offers Hepatitis A IgM testing as an add-on to our flagship panel at Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide. Your doctor may also order liver function tests to check how well your liver is working. These tests measure enzymes and proteins that show liver inflammation or damage.
Treatment options
- Rest and reduce physical activity to help your body recover
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and clear fluids
- Eat small, frequent meals if nausea makes eating difficult
- Avoid alcohol completely, as it puts extra stress on your liver
- Stop taking medications or supplements that can harm the liver, after checking with your doctor
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom
- Avoid preparing food for others until your doctor says you are no longer contagious
- Get the Hepatitis A vaccine after recovery to prevent reinfection, though natural infection provides immunity
There is no specific antiviral medication for Hepatitis A. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms while your immune system fights the infection. Most people recover at home without hospitalization. See a doctor if you develop severe vomiting, signs of dehydration, confusion, or severe abdominal pain.
Need testing for Acute Hepatitis A? Add it to your panel.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Most people recover from Acute Hepatitis A within two months. Symptoms usually improve gradually over several weeks. Some people may feel tired for up to six months after the initial infection. Once you recover, you have lifelong immunity and cannot get Hepatitis A again.
Yes, the Hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection. The vaccine requires two doses given six months apart for full protection. It is recommended for children, travelers to certain countries, people with chronic liver disease, and others at higher risk. The vaccine is safe and provides long-lasting immunity.
Hepatitis A is very contagious, especially in the two weeks before symptoms appear. You remain contagious for about one week after jaundice develops. The virus spreads easily through contaminated food, water, or close personal contact. Good hand washing helps prevent transmission to others.
IgM antibodies appear during an acute or recent Hepatitis A infection. IgG antibodies develop later and remain in your blood for life, showing past infection or vaccination. A positive IgM test means you currently have Hepatitis A. A positive IgG test without IgM means you had the infection before or received the vaccine.
Yes, you can get Hepatitis A from contaminated food at restaurants. Outbreaks occur when infected food handlers do not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom. Raw or undercooked foods are higher risk, especially shellfish. Most restaurant-related cases can be prevented through proper food handling and employee vaccination.
Acute Hepatitis A rarely causes permanent liver damage. Most people recover completely with full liver function restored. In very rare cases, usually in people over 50 or with existing liver disease, the infection can cause acute liver failure. This is uncommon and occurs in less than 1% of cases.
Get tested if you develop symptoms like jaundice, dark urine, or severe fatigue after potential exposure. Testing is also recommended if someone you live with or have close contact with tests positive. If you traveled to an area with high Hepatitis A rates and feel unwell, testing can confirm the diagnosis.
Yes, children can get Hepatitis A and often have milder symptoms than adults. Many young children show no symptoms at all but can still spread the virus to others. Children under age 6 are less likely to develop jaundice. The CDC recommends vaccinating all children at age 1 year.
There is no special diet required, but eating small, frequent meals may help if you have nausea. Focus on easy-to-digest foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid alcohol completely until your liver fully recovers. Stay well hydrated by drinking water and clear fluids throughout the day.
Stay home from work or school until your doctor says you are no longer contagious. This is usually at least one week after jaundice appears. Food handlers, healthcare workers, and childcare providers may need to stay home longer. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe to return based on your symptoms and test results.