WHAT IS IT?

Hepatitis A (Hep A) is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is highly contagious. The Hepatitis A virus is found in the stool (feces) of an infected person. It is spread through person-to-person contact or contaminated food or water. The Hepatitis A virus can live outside the body for months.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children. Some people with Hep A will have no symptoms.

It generally begins 2 to 6 weeks after exposure. It usually last for 2 to 6 months. A person is contagious from Hep A up to 2 weeks before the symptoms appear. Alcohol should be avoided and any medications or supplements that could potentially damage the liver.