An acute hepatitis A is a liver infection which is prompted by a hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is transmitted through the fecal arm-most commonly whereby an individual eats or consumes food or water that has been contaminated with minute portions of contaminated stool. Even though it is usually easy to overcome and does not promote permanent liver damage, it may lead to several weeks of discomfort and needs to be taken care of and allowed to rest.
Symptoms typically appear 2 to 6 weeks after exposure and often mimic the flu. Common signs include:
Hepatitis A is most contagious before symptoms appear and can be passed on when the virus enters the mouth through contaminated sources. Common causes include:
You are and will remain at GastroDoxs in Katy. Hepatitis A qualified experts provide one-stop vaccination and antibody test to individual follow-up and liver check-up. Patient-centered education is added to fast and immediate appointments where you will not waste time to receive responses and support that help you. Wait-book your appointment in our clinic, as we offer the best consultation services on Hepatitis A to save your health and achieve peace of mind.
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.
The symptoms of Hepatitis A usually appear between 15 and 50 days after exposure to the virus.
You can return to work once your physician approves and you feel healthy enough. To prevent spreading the virus, practice strict hand hygiene and avoid handling food until cleared by your doctor.
Hepatitis A is diagnosed with a blood test that checks for Hepatitis A antibodies (IgM), which indicate a recent infection.
Hepatitis A rarely harms the baby but may cause symptoms such as fatigue and nausea in the mother. Your obstetrician will monitor your condition closely during pregnancy.
Most side effects are mild and temporary, including a sore arm, slight fever, or headache, experienced by many people after vaccination.
A single dose provides short-term protection, while a two-dose series offers long-term immunity — often lasting 20 years or more.
No. Alcohol places additional stress on the liver and can slow recovery from infection. It should be completely avoided.
A positive antibody result means you were either previously infected with Hepatitis A or have completed the vaccination series and developed immunity.
Infected individuals can transmit the virus starting about two weeks before symptoms appear and up to one week after the onset of jaundice.
Most people do not need a booster. Your gastroenterologist can check your antibody levels and advise if further immunization is necessary.
