Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by hepatitis A virus. Persons with hepatitis A virus infection may not have any signs or symptoms of the disease.
Older persons are more likely to have symptoms than children.
For this reason, the virus is more easily spread in areas where there are poor sanitary conditions or where good personal hygiene is not observed. Most infections result from contact with a household member or sex partner who has hepatitis A. Casual contact, as in the usual office, factory, or school setting, does not spread the virus. Immune globulin is a preparation of antibodies that can be given before exposure for short-term protection against hepatitis A and for persons who have already been exposed to hepatitis A virus. Immune globulin must be given within 2 weeks after exposure to hepatitis A virus for maximum protection. Hepatitis A vaccine has been licensed in the United States for use in persons 2 years of age and older.