Infectious hepatitis or (Hepatitis A) is caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is an acute infectious disease of the liver.

Approximately 10 million people are infected each year around the world. The disease is most commonly spread through contaminated food, and drinking water. Hepatitis occurs more often in children. After becoming infected with the virus it may take between 2 to 6 weeks for symptoms to appear.

Poor hygiene in developing countries causes more of their people to become infected with the Hepatitis A virus. Once a person has been infected their body makes antibodies that fight against the virus and they become immune for life. Hepatitis A does not cause permanent liver damage.

The Hepatitis A virus enters the body through the mouth and is passed through an infected person’s stool. Oral or hand sexual contact well also spread the viral infection.

Symptoms include yellowing skin tone, urine that is yellow in color, fatigue, and loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. Unlike Hepatitis B and C Hepatitis A will not turn into chronic hepatitis, which are both, fatal.

Prevention: The most important thing that an individual can do to prevent becoming infected with the Hepatitis A virus is to make sure to wash your hands after changing diapers, using the toilet, or caring for the sick and elderly.

Sexual contact that includes anal sex, or oral sex should be avoided.

Studies have shown that employees working in food services, health care, childcare, and sewage workers are at no greater risk then anyone else.

If you are traveling out of the country Hepatitis A vaccine is available through your physician. The physician will also have literature available for you.

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