Some people get Hepatitis A and have no symptoms of the disease. Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children. If you do have symptoms, they may include the following:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored bowel movements
• Joint pain
• Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin or eyes)

If symptoms occur, they usually appear anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks after exposure. Symptoms usually develop over a period of several days. Symptoms usually last less than 2 months, although some people can be ill for as long as 6 months. A person can transmit the virus to others up to 2 weeks before symptoms appear.

Hepatitis A is usually spread when the Hepatitis A virus is taken in by mouth from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces (or stool) of an infected person. A person can get Hepatitis A through:

Person to person contact 

• when an infected person does not wash his or her hands properly after going to the bathroom and touches other objects or food 
• when a parent or caregiver does not properly wash his or her hands after changing diapers or cleaning up the stool of an infected person 
• when someone has sex or sexual contact with an infected person. (not limited to anal-oral contact)

Contaminated food or water 

• Hepatitis A can be spread by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the virus. (This can include frozen or undercooked food.)
• This is more likely to occur in countries where Hepatitis A is common and in areas where there are poor sanitary conditions or poor personal hygiene.
• The food and drinks most likely to be contaminated are fruits, vegetables, shellfish, ice, and water.
• In the United States, chlorination of water kills Hepatitis A virus that enters the water supply.

Although anyone can get Hepatitis A, in the United States, certain groups of people are at higher risk, such as those who: 

• Travel to or live in countries where Hepatitis A is common
• Are men who have sexual contact with other men
• Use illegal drugs, whether injected or not
• Have clotting-factor disorders, such as hemophilia
• Live with someone who has Hepatitis A
• Have oral-anal sexual contact with someone who has Hepatitis A

A doctor can determine if you have Hepatitis A by discussing your symptoms and taking a blood sample.

There are no special treatments for Hepatitis A. Most people with Hepatitis A will feel sick for a few months before they begin to feel better. A few people will need to be hospitalized. During this time, doctors usually recommend rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids. People with Hepatitis A should check with a health professional before taking any prescription pills, supplements, or over-the-counter medications, which can potentially damage the liver. Alcohol should be avoided.

The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is through vaccination with the Hepatitis A vaccine. Vaccination is recommended for all children, for travelers to certain countries, and for people at high risk for infection with the virus. Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or before preparing food can help prevent the spread of Hepatitis A.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is a shot of inactive Hepatitis A virus that stimulates the body's natural immune system. After the vaccine is given, the body makes antibodies that protect a person against the virus.

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for:

• All children at age 1 year
• Travelers to countries that have high rates of Hepatitis A
• Men who have sexual contact with other men
• Users of injection and non-injection illegal drugs
• People with chronic (lifelong) liver diseases, such as Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
• People who are treated with clotting-factor concentrates
• People who work with Hepatitis A infected animals or in a Hepatitis A research laboratory

The Hepatitis A vaccine is given as 2 shots, 6 months apart. The Hepatitis A vaccine also comes in a combination form, containing both Hepatitis A and B vaccine, that can be given to persons 18 years of age and older. This form is given as 3 shots, over a period of 6 months. 

The Hepatitis A vaccine is safe. No serious side effects have resulted from the Hepatitis A vaccine.