It rarely causes long-term damage or death. It is also spread by contaminated water or ice and by eating uncooked foods that may have become contaminated during handling. Nausea People are most contagious from about one week before these symptoms begin until two weeks after. Most people start to have symptoms about one month after exposure.
Some people have no symptoms, but still spread the virus.
People who live with or have sex with an infected person. Children and staff of child care centers where a child or employee has hepatitis A. Residents and staff of centers for disabled children when a child or employee has hepatitis A. Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common and where there is little clean water or proper sewage disposal. There is no medicine for hepatitis A once you have it. Immune globulin can be taken within two weeks after exposure to prevent or lessen symptoms. Always wash hands after using the bathroom.