Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The disease is preventable by vaccine. The virus spreads from contaminated food or water, or contact with someone who is infected. In most cases, the condition clears up on its own within two months. Getting rest and drinking plenty of water can help. 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.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A can include:

• Darker urine color and lighter stool color
• Diarrhea
• Feeling tired
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
• Pain in the abdomen
• Yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice)

The hepatitis A vaccine is typically given in two shots, with the second dose coming at least 6 months after the first. You need to get both shots to be fully protected against the virus. A combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine is also available for adults.

Doctors recommend the hepatitis A vaccine for:

• All children between ages 12 months and 23 months
• Older children who haven’t yet received the vaccine
• Adults who are more likely to get hepatitis A, have chronic liver disease or HIV infection, are traveling to a country where hepatitis A is more common, or want to receive the vaccine

If you haven’t been vaccinated against hepatitis A, you can reduce your chance of infection by practicing good hand hygiene.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds:

• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers
• Before and after handling or preparing food

If you don’t have soap and water available, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.

If you think you had contact with the hepatitis A virus, see your health care provider right away. If taken soon after contact, a dose of the hepatitis A vaccine or a medicine called immune globulin (IG) may protect you from infection.

If you don’t have a health care provider, N.E.W. Community Clinic (920-437-7206) provides comprehensive medical care to people without insurance and those who are on Medicaid and Medicare.