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Hepatitis A (HAV)

Fecal-Oral Acute Hepatitis — Prevention and Supportive Care

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Hepatitis A (HAV)?

Hepatitis A is a single-stranded RNA Picornavirus (HAV) transmitted by fecal-oral route via contaminated food, water, or close personal contact.

Incubation period is 15–50 days (average 28 days); viral shedding occurs 1–2 weeks before and up to 1 week after symptom onset.

Infection produces acute hepatitis with no chronic carrier state; fulminant hepatic failure is rare (less than 1%) but more common in older adults and those with chronic liver disease.

Diagnosis is confirmed by anti-HAV IgM positivity; anti-HAV IgG indicates past infection or vaccination.

Symptoms

Abrupt onset fever, fatigue, nausea, anorexia, and malaise
Right upper quadrant abdominal pain
Jaundice, dark urine, and pale stool
Pruritus and arthralgia
Hepatomegaly with tender liver on examination
Prodromal flu-like symptoms followed by icteric phase

Risk Factors

Travel to endemic regions (developing countries)
Household or sexual contact with infected person
Men who have sex with men and injection drug use
Child-care and daycare workers
Consumption of contaminated shellfish or produce
Chronic liver disease and homelessness

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Jaundice, dark urine, and abdominal pain after possible exposure
  • Severe symptoms: persistent vomiting, confusion, or bleeding (suggest fulminant failure)
  • Known exposure — seek post-exposure prophylaxis within 2 weeks

Treatment Methods

01
Supportive care: rest, hydration, avoid hepatotoxic drugs and alcohol
02
Monitor liver enzymes, INR, and mental status; hospitalize if coagulopathy or encephalopathy
03
Post-exposure prophylaxis: single-dose hepatitis A vaccine (age 1–40) or immunoglobulin (over 40, immunocompromised, chronic liver disease, infants under 12 months) within 14 days
04
Two-dose vaccine series (months 0 and 6) provides long-term protection
05
Vaccinate high-risk groups: travelers, MSM, injection drug users, chronic liver disease, occupational exposure
06
Outbreak management: hand hygiene, safe food and water, isolation of cases, vaccination of close contacts

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.