Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main route of transmission of Hepatitis A (HAV)?
What is the main route of transmission of Hepatitis A (HAV)?
What is the average incubation period of HAV?
What is the average incubation period of HAV?
What is a common symptom of Hepatitis A infection?
What is a common symptom of Hepatitis A infection?
What is the duration of symptoms in most cases of HAV?
What is the duration of symptoms in most cases of HAV?
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Can individuals who have had HAV be re-infected?
Can individuals who have had HAV be re-infected?
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What is the frequency of nationwide epidemics of Hepatitis A in the United States?
What is the frequency of nationwide epidemics of Hepatitis A in the United States?
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What was the peak year of Hepatitis A infections in the US?
What was the peak year of Hepatitis A infections in the US?
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Who is recommended to receive the HAV vaccine?
Who is recommended to receive the HAV vaccine?
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What is unique about the onset of symptoms in HAV infection?
What is unique about the onset of symptoms in HAV infection?
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What is a common setting where HAV may spread from person to person through sexual contact?
What is a common setting where HAV may spread from person to person through sexual contact?
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Study Notes
Hepatitis A Infection
- Hepatitis A (HAV) is a common infection that occurs in conditions of poor sanitation and overcrowding.
- Main transmission routes of HAV include fecal contaminated food and water, and contaminated blood on hands.
- Other transmission routes include person-to-person contact through sexual contact in institutional or incarcerated settings.
- Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can help prevent the transmission of HAV.
Incubation Period and Symptoms
- The incubation period of HAV is 15 to 50 days, with an average incubation period of 28 days.
- Symptoms of HAV include abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, dark urine, and jaundice.
- Symptoms usually last less than 2 months, but approximately 15% of people infected with HAV have a prolonged or relapsing course of illness lasting as long as 6-9 months.
Epidemiology
- Hepatitis A has occurred in large nationwide epidemics approximately every 10 years, with the last increase in cases in 2018-2019.
- The HAV infection rate in the US was relatively low with some increases and decreases.
- The last peak in the US was in 2020, when there were 19,000 Hepatitis A infections.
- The incidence of hepatitis A is now similar in all age groups.
Vaccination
- There is a vaccination for HAV.
- The HAV vaccine is recommended for people in communities where outbreaks of hepatitis A are occurring and for anyone who has been exposed to hepatitis A virus.
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Description
Learn about Hepatitis A, a common infection in areas with poor sanitation and overcrowding, its transmission, incubation period, and symptoms.
