How to Identify Hepatitis A Symptoms

Hepatitis A is a potentially deadly acute infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis A virus. The disease is spread by the ingestion of feces of a contaminated person. The easiest way to prevent infection is to maintain proper sanitation and good personal hygiene. If you believe you or someone you know may have been exposed to the Hepatitis A virus, this article will tell you what symptoms to look for.

Instructions

1. Jaundice. A typical symptom of liver disease, jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes.

2. Fatigue. People infected with Hepatitis A typically complain of feeling tired or a lack of energy.

3. Abdominal pain. Another symptom of Hepatitis A is abdominal pain that is sometimes accompanied by nausea, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Sometimes the abdominal pain will appear acute and localized to the right -upper area of the abdomen.

4. Fever. People with Hepatitis A will generally run a fever as their body attempts to fight off the virus.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes children exposed to Hepatitis A do not show symptoms even though they have been infected by the Hepatitis A virus. Vaccines are available and recommended. If you or someone you know displays the symptoms above, it is important that they seek treatment from a trained physician.

Resources

• CDC Hepatitis Facts