Key points
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- Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). \n
- HAV infection usually causes a mild, short-term illness. \n
- HAV is contagious and spreads through close person-to-person contact and eating contaminated food or drink. \n
- Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection. \n
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\n About hepatitis A
\nThe hepatitis A virus is highly contagious. People who get hepatitis A may feel sick for a few weeks or several months but usually recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage. In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause liver failure and even death. This is more common in older people and in people with other serious health issues, such as chronic liver disease.
\nSince 2016, there have been outbreaks in multiple states caused by person-to-person transmission. These outbreaks have primarily been from person-to-person contact, especially among people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, and men who have sex with men.
\nHepatitis A in 2023
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- People aged 30\u201339 years had the highest rate of hepatitis A. \n
- From 2022 to 2023, there was a 28% decrease in the number of newly reported HAV cases. \n
- The number of hepatitis A cases in 2023 was 1.2 times as high as in 2015. \n
- The rate of hepatitis A among Hispanic people was 2.0 times as high as the rate of hepatitis A among non-Hispanic White people. \n
Signs and symptoms
\nNot everyone with hepatitis A has symptoms. Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children. If symptoms develop, they usually appear 2\u20137 weeks after exposure. Symptoms usually last less than 2 months, although some people can feel sick for as long as 6 months.
\nDid you know?
\nSymptoms can include:
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- Dark urine or clay-colored stools \n
- Diarrhea \n
- Feeling tired \n
- Fever \n
- Joint pain \n
- Loss of appetite \n
- Nausea, stomach pain, throwing up \n
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice) \n
Learn more about signs and symptoms of hepatitis A.
\nRisk factors
\nAnyone who hasn\u2019t been vaccinated or previously infected can get hepatitis A. Certain life circumstances and behaviors can also increase your risk of infection.
\nLearn more about who is at risk for hepatitis A.
\nHow it spreads
\nHepatitis A is spread when someone ingests the virus, even in very small amounts. This usually occurs through person-to-person contact or by eating or drinking contaminated food or drink.
\nPrevention
\nThe best way to prevent hepatitis A is by getting vaccinated. You need to get all the shots in the series to be fully protected.
\nCDC recommends the following groups get vaccinated against hepatitis A:
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- All children ages 12\u201323 months. \n
- All children and adolescents between ages 2\u201318 years who have not been vaccinated. \n
- All people, including pregnant women, with increased risk factors for hepatitis A. \n
Fact
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In addition, it\u2019s important to practice good hand hygiene \u2014 including thoroughly washing hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
\nLearn more about preventing hepatitis A.
\nScreening, testing, and diagnosis
\nA doctor can give you a blood test if you think you have been exposed to HAV.
\nTreatment and recovery
\nTo treat the symptoms of hepatitis A, doctors usually recommend resting, eating a well-balanced diet, and making sure you get enough fluids.
\nClarifying misconceptions
\nHepatitis A is sometimes difficult to understand, especially how it spreads and how people recover. Here are a few misconceptions cleared up for you.
\n\"If I don\u2019t have symptoms, I\u2019m not infected.\"
\nMany people with hepatitis A do not have any symptoms. Young children are more likely than adults to have hepatitis A without symptoms.
\n\"If I don\u2019t have symptoms, I can\u2019t spread the virus to others.\"
\nYou can still spread HAV to others even if you don\u2019t have any symptoms. It\u2019s possible to spread HAV up to 2 weeks before you have any symptoms.
\n\"I can get infected with HAV more than once.\"
\nIf you have been infected with HAV in the past, you can\u2019t get infected again. Once you recover from hepatitis A, you develop antibodies that protect you from reinfection.
\nWhat to expect long-term
\nPeople who get hepatitis A may feel sick for a few weeks or several months but usually recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage.
\nWhat CDC is doing
\nCDC supports health departments that conduct viral hepatitis A outbreak response and tracking.
\nSince 2016, CDC has provided guidance and support to 37 states that have reported person-to-person outbreaks of hepatitis A. To assist with outbreak investigations, CDC sent disease intervention specialists, epidemiologists, lab experts, and public health advisors to nine states.
\nCDC continues to support vaccine supply and vaccine policy development.
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