Blog
Hepatitis A
Covenant Metabolic Specialists Health Library
Covenant Metabolic Specialists
Physician Reviewed
Dec 3, 2025
Hepatitis A is a contagious viral liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It spreads primarily through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. Unlike other types of hepatitis, HAV does not cause chronic liver disease and usually resolves on its own.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stool, joint pain, and jaundice. In children, the infection often goes unnoticed, while adults are more likely to experience noticeable symptoms. Onset occurs 2–7 weeks after exposure.
Causes
HAV is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. It can spread via undercooked shellfish, unclean water, or poor hygiene. International travel, especially to areas with poor sanitation, is a common cause. Outbreaks have also occurred in food service settings.
Risk Factors
High-risk groups include travelers to developing countries, men who have sex with men, people experiencing homelessness, users of recreational drugs, and individuals with chronic liver disease. Lack of vaccination significantly increases risk.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves blood tests for anti-HAV antibodies. Elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST) are typically seen. No imaging is needed. The disease is self-limiting, and most people recover completely without long-term liver issues.
Treatments
There’s no specific antiviral treatment. Rest, hydration, and avoiding alcohol or hepatotoxic drugs support recovery. Severe symptoms may require hospitalization. Most people recover fully in a few weeks to months.
Prevention
Prevention includes the hepatitis A vaccine, good hand hygiene, and avoiding unclean water or food sources. The vaccine is highly effective and recommended for at-risk individuals, especially travelers.
Our Take
At Covenant, we encourage hepatitis A vaccination as part of liver disease prevention. While typically mild, HAV infection can be dangerous in patients with existing liver issues. We promote proactive, global-travel-ready care.
Hepatitis A is preventable and self-limiting—but not harmless. Covenant helps reduce risk through vaccination and global travel guidance tailored to your liver health status.
