Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It spreads easily from person to person, usually when someone eats or drinks something that has been contaminated with stool (poop) from an infected person. This can happen through unclean hands, food, or water.
Hepatitis A usually goes away on its own and does not turn into a long-term illness.
Treatment
There is no special medicine to cure hepatitis A. Your body will fight off the virus over time. Treatment is focused on helping you feel better, like getting rest, staying hydrated, and eating well.
Prevention
The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get the hepatitis A vaccine. You need more than one shot to be fully protected. The number of shots depends on which vaccine you receive.
Good handwashing is also very important. Always wash your hands:
- After using the bathroom
- After changing diapers
- Before making or eating food
This helps stop the spread of the virus to others.