Vaccination is the best protection in preventing hepatitis A infection. Hepatitis A virus causes acute liver disease in infected persons. Infrequently there may be no signs or symptoms of disease. If symptoms are present they usually occur suddenly and may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice.
Symptoms usually last less than two months, but occasionally can last as long as six months.
Hepatitis A infection is commonly spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of an infected person. Intake of contaminated food or drinking water can therefore transmit the virus. Thus, an infected person who does not wash their hands after using the bathroom and prepares food can transmit hepatitis A virus. In the past, hepatitis A has occasionally been transmitted to persons with hemophilia through human-derived clotting factor. Today, testing of blood donors for hepatitis A infection and vigilent adherence to good manufacturing practice help to prevent the spread of hepatitis A infection through blood products.