Symptoms of Hepatitis A

Symptoms in case of Hepatitis A may at certain cases not appear when it has been contracted mostly in case of children. Mostly 10 to 12 days post the exposure HAV is known to be present in the blood and is then excreted through the biliary system into the feces. Even though the virus is present in the blood the concentration is much higher in the feces.

For those suffering from Hepatitis A would start to have inflammation present in their liver which has been caused due to a virus. Children are known to be the common sufferers of this disease. One can spread the hepatitis A virus for about a period of two weeks even before the symptoms tend to appear and in the first week they start to show up.

Viruses are known to be one of the major causes of hepatitis and hepatitis A is caused due to the hepatitis A virus. It is basically an acute type of hepatitis which would not need any form of treatment.

• Fatigue: Hepatitis can make an individual feel very tired even after they have rested for some time. They may also feel weak and generally can fall sick.
• Pain in the abdomen: One of the early signs of Hepatitis A is said to be pain and discomfort in the abdomen mostly beneath the lower ribs.
• Clay coloured stools: For those who are suffering from Hepatitis A, there can be occurrence of clay coloured bowel movements.
• Pain in the muscles: Continuous pain in the joints or the muscles which can also occur along with unexplained signs of tiredness can be a sure symptom of Hepatitis A.
• Dark coloured urine: Hepatitis A can lead to the urine turning out to be very much dark hence those individuals who experience this symptom should seek out medical assistance.
• Fever: Hepatitis A is known to come along with mild form of fever which is not more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Nausea and vomiting: Hepatitis A is known to be characterised by nausea which is also accompanied by severe form of vomiting.
• Signs of jaundice: In case if the individual is suffering from severe case of Hepatitis A can also lead to signs of jaundice which is yellowing of the skin and the eyes. Such kind of incidences are not very much common.
• Loss of appetite: Those suffering from hepatitis can also experience a sudden loss of appetite.
• Cough and headache: Individuals may also develop a soreness in their throat along with headache and cough.

Even if the symptoms are not there in the person then they can still spread this hepatitis A. Hence it is said that this disease is more contagious even when the symptoms do not show up. An individual is very much likely to get this medical condition when:

• When the individual who has the virus does not wash their hands properly even after coming from the bathroom.
• When one has sex with the individual who is suffering from this virus.
• When the parent does not wash their hands properly even after changing diaper of the child who has been infected with this condition.
• A caregiver or the family member does not wash their hands properly even after cleaning up the stool of the person who is suffering from this condition.

Hepatitis A can also spread by consuming any kind of contaminated food or through drinking of contaminated water. In the developing countries it is seen as a common occurrence of having contaminated food or contaminated water. Hence it is important to make a note that while traveling to regions where the occurrence of hepatitis A is common should avoid consumption of shellfish, fruits and veggies.

Any individual who has not been vaccinated properly or has been infected previously may also get infected with this virus. Many of the times the maximum cases of hepatitis A is known to occur during their early childhood. Few of the risk factors would include lack of proper sanitation, not using safe water for drinking or preparation of food, using recreational drugs, staying at home with an individual who has been infected,  being a sexual partner of someone who is suffering from this medical condition and travelling to such high endemicity regions.