Hepatitis A is an acute liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It spreads when the virus enters your mouth-often through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person's stool. Unlike other forms of viral hepatitis, Hepatitis A is not chronic: most people fully recover within a few weeks to months with no lasting liver damage.
Early on, Hepatitis A can feel like a mild flu. As it progresses, you may notice:
You can contract Hepatitis A when you ingest even tiny amounts of the virus. Common routes of transmission include:
At GastroDoxs in Cypress, our board-certified gastroenterologists combine specialized Hepatitis A expertise with a patient-first approach. From prompt testing and clear vaccine guidance to ongoing recovery support and telehealth options, we tailor every step to your needs. Don't wait-book your appointment today to get personalized care, expert advice, and the confidence of complete liver health protection.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Look for fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, pale stool, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. A simple blood test confirms the diagnosis.
The ICD-10 code for Hepatitis A without hepatic coma is B15.9.
It's best to stay home until your symptoms improve and your doctor confirms you're no longer contagious.
Common side effects include mild soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, or a headache, typically lasting one to two days.
You can be contagious from about two weeks before symptoms appear until one week after jaundice begins.
Being antibody positive means you've either been vaccinated or previously infected and are now immune to the virus.
Yes. Children can contract Hepatitis A, which is why vaccination is recommended, especially in areas where the virus is common.
No. Because Hepatitis A is a viral infection, antibiotics have no effect. Treatment focuses on rest, hydration, and supportive care.
No. A hepatic cyst is a fluid-filled sac in the liver and is unrelated to the Hepatitis A virus.
Yes. A gastroenterologist in Cypress can provide accurate diagnosis, monitor liver function, and guide your full recovery.
