What are the signs and symptoms of hepatitis A?
Persons with hepatitis A virus infection may not have any signs or symptoms of the disease. Older persons are more likely to have symptoms than children. If symptoms are present, they usually occur abruptly and may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Symptoms usually last less than 2 months; a few persons are ill for as long as 6 months. The average incubation period for hepatitis A is 28 days (range: 15 50 days).
Children infected with hepatitis A virus often have no symptoms. Most adults have symptoms that develop over several days. Symptoms include: • Fever • Tiredness • Loss of appetite • Nausea, vomiting, or stomach ache • Dark urine • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) If symptoms do occur, they usually last less than 2 months, although 10% to 15% of persons have prolonged or relapsing disease that can last up to 6 months. How soon after exposure do symptoms appear? The average time between exposure to the virus and the development of symptoms is about 28 days. Signs of illness usually begin abruptly. Infected persons with no symptoms can still spread the virus. This often happens with young children who unknowingly spread hepatitis A virus to older children and adults. How is hepatitis A diagnosed? Hepatitis A can be diagnosed by a blood test called IgM anti-HAV. Who is at risk for hepatitis A? Anyone who has not already been infected with hepatitis A virus can become
Persons with hepatitis A virus infection may not have any signs or symptoms of the disease. Older persons are more likely to have symptoms than children. If symptoms are present, they usually occur abruptly and may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Symptoms usually last less than 2 months; a few persons are ill for as long as 6 months. The average incubation period for hepatitis A is 28 days (range: 15-50 days).
Persons with hepatitis A virus infection may not have any signs or symptoms of the disease. Older persons are more likely to have symptoms than children. If symptoms are present, they usually occur abruptly and may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Symptoms usually last less than 2 months; a few persons are ill for as long as 6 months. The average incubation period for hepatitis A is 28 days (range: 15–50 days).
