Bloodborne transmission is possible but rare.
Onset is abrupt and includes fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.
Disease severity is variable from mild illness lasting 1 to 2 weeks to severe disabling disease lasting several months. Severity increases with age. Most people infected with hepatitis A recover completely without complications or recurrences. This virus spreads by bloodborne, sexual, or perinatal exposure. Onset of infection is usually insidious and characterized by mild abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, and fatigue.