Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an highly contagious liver infection because of hepatitis A virus (HAV)Although this is not serious, not like other viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A possibly resulted inflammation that affects the functioning of our liver.Large numbers of people get the virus after drinking contaminated water because, in many parts of the world, drinking water is contaminated with raw sewage. The virus also may be spread by eating uncooked food (such as raw shellfish) and unpeeled fruits and vegetables washed in contaminated water.
Many people with HAV infection have no symptoms at all. Sometimes symptoms are so mild that they go unnoticed. Older people are more likely to have symptoms than children. People who do not have symptoms can still spread the virus.
Symptoms of hepatitis A usually develop between 2 and 6 weeks after infection. The symptoms are usually not too severe and go away on their own, over time. The most common symptoms are as follows:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea, especially in children
• Low-grade fever
• Loss of appetite
• Rash
• Tiredness, fatigue
• Jaundice - A yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes
• Urine is dark brownish in color, like cola or strong tea.
• Pain in area of liver - On the right side of the abdomen, just under the rib cage.

Symptoms usually last less than two months, although they may last as long as nine months. About 15% of people infected with hepatitis A have symptoms that come and go for 6-9 months. Hepatitis does not occur simply from being near someone who has the disease at work or at school.