Hepatitis A is a contagious infection that causes inflammation of the liver, which can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Your liver stores nutrients, helps digest food, prevents infection, and filters your blood. When your liver is infected and can't do these tasks as effectively as normal, you can get very sick. There are several different types of hepatitis viruses, but hepatitis A usually clears up within a few weeks and does not become chronic.Hepatitis A is very contagious and can be transmitted in several ways. The most common ways the virus can spread include drinking contaminated water, having close contact with an infected person, and eating food prepared by someone who didn't wash their hands after using the bathroom. A vaccine can protect you from the virus, but anyone who hasn't received the vaccine can be infected. Mild cases of the virus can clear up on their own, but doctors may prescribe medications to handle painful or severe symptoms. Hepatitis can easily be mistaken for other viruses or illnesses, but being familiar with the symptoms could help you recognize the virus if you catch it.
