Hepatitis A Health Video

Hepatitis A is an infectious disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus and usually contracted by consuming contaminated food or water. Learn more about hepatitis A, including symptoms and treatments, in this video.

Take Action

Drink plenty of water
Get plenty of rest
Get a hepatitis A vaccine
Maintain good hygiene

About this Author

Dr. Ulrich joined On Call Medical Group in 2006. She had previously practiced at Doctors Medical Center in Richmond, Calif., and prior to that worked with the uninsured and homeless population of San Francisco at the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic. Throughout her medical career, Dr. Ulrich as also been involved in numerous medical research studies. Dr. Ulrich holds a B.S. from Harvard University, an M.P.H. for the University of California at Berkeley, and an M.D. from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

SKYLAR ULRICH, MD: Hi. I'm Dr. Skylar Ulrich. I'm going to talk about hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is a viral infection spread by feco-oral contamination. It infects the liver cells and causes inflammation of the liver and destruction of the liver cells. Symptoms: After a prodromal period of 15 to 50 days generally, there will be an onset of malaise, jaundice, nausea and vomiting, anorexia, and abdominal pain, mostly localized in the right upper quadrant. These symptoms may last up to four weeks. Generally, there is spontaneous resolution after approximately four to six weeks. There is no treatment that is specifically indicated for hepatitis A infection. Treatment is mostly supportive, making sure the patient remains well hydrated and is well rested. Diagnosis is based on clinical history, as well as hepatitis A IgM titers which can be measured in the blood. Prevention: This is a vaccine-preventable disease and currently, all children aged 1 year are recommended to receive the hepatitis A vaccination. Also, good handwashing and good sanitation are essential to stopping the spread of hepatitis A.