The Dangers of Hepatitis A Infections

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that effects the liver. This infection is quite common and is generally mild and self-limiting. However, in some people the infection can become quite severe. The word "Hepatitis" actually refers to inflammation of the liver from any cause - while viral hepatitis is a liver infection that is caused by a number of very different viruses. Most people will recover from a hepatitis A infection with only minimal treatment, although the elderly and very young can be at greater risk.

Despite being a mild infection in most people, there is a wide range of symptoms that are experience by different people who suffer from a viral hepatitis A infection. Some people who are infected will hardly know they are sick, while others can become quite ill for a few weeks.

The hepatitis A virus is highly contagious. It is easily passed from one person to another - usually in infected water and/or food. The medical term for this route of viral transmission is the "fecal-oral" route. Yes, it's as disgusting as it sounds. The virus infects water supplies and food, being passed around a community largely due to poor sanitation and personal hygiene.

Due to the ease of transmission, hepatitis A infections are quite common in the United States. It is estimated that up to 25,000 people are infected with this virus each year - although this could be a low estimate as many people who are infected don't become ill enough to seek treatment.

There is a vaccine that can prevent a person from contracting a hepatitis A infection. The vaccine is available from just about any doctor and has almost certainly lowered the rate of hepatitis A infections in many parts of the country.

What are the signs and symptoms of a hepatitis A infection?

People who are infected with the hepatitis A virus do not become sick immediately. There is an "incubation" period between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms. This incubation period can last up to a couple of weeks. This can also make it hard to know where you contracted the virus - by the time you are sick, you are far removed from the source of the infection. This incubation period can aid in the local spread of the virus.

Common signs and symptoms of a hepatitis A infection include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, yellow skin (jaundice), lack of a good appetite, stomach pains, and even joint pain. Of course, the symptoms will vary a bit from person to person - not everyone will experience all of these problems.

The symptoms of a hepatitis A infection can persist for weeks to a few months. Infections lasting more than six months are rare.

In a small percentage of people who contract this infection, the infection will become very severe. About 0.5% of hepatitis A infections will cause severe illness - even to the point of putting the infected person's life in danger. For this reason, people who are infected need to be followed closely by a doctor until the infection resolves. Children, the elderly, and those with damaged immune systems (chemotherapy patients, HIV positive people, etc.) are at greater risk.

If you have more questions about why hepatitis A is dangerous, it's best to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can answer any questions you may have regarding this infection and how you can identify and treat it.

Source: Medical school and experience as a practicing physician.