Hepatitis
What is Hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a viral infection that can inflame and damage the liver. Unlike other forms of hepatitis, hepatitis A is usually mild and does not last long. Usually spread in contaminated food or water, hepatitis A also can be passed during sexual practices that involve the anus. In rare cases, hepatitis A can be spread by contact with the blood of a person who has the infection, for instance, when intravenous drug users share needles. Symptoms of Hepatitis A If the infection is mild, there may not be any symptoms, especially in a child. When symptoms appear, they can include: • Tiredness • Loss of appetite • Fever • Nausea • Tenderness in the stomach area • Dark, tea-colored urine • Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice) Treatment of Hepatitis A There are no drugs to treat hepatitis A. Doctors generally recommend getting bed rest, eating well-balanced meals, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding alcoholic beverages. It is also essent...