What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A, also called infectious hepatitis, is a
contagious viral disease that makes the liver swell. The virus
is usually found in fecal matter of infected people and is most
likely spread when people do not wash their hands after using
the toilet, prepare food for others, touch others with contaminated
hands or during any kind of anal sex.
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What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?
Some people with hepatitis A show little or no signs of the
disease. But, a variety of symptoms, including: jaundice
(a yellowing of the eyes and skin), dark colored urine, pale/gray
bowel movements, low-grade fever, headache, loss of appetite,
muscle aches, nausea/vomiting, stomach pain, and fatigue.
Of course, a lot of these symptoms may be indications of other
diseases and that’s why it’s so important to get
tested for hepatitis if you have these symptoms.
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Why get tested?
There is a 2-dose vaccine that prevents hepatitis
A and all MSM who are sexually active should consider being vaccinated.
Some providers may recommend testing before vaccination to ensure
that a person has not been exposed in the past (and are therefore
already immune and do not need the vaccine).
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How is hepatitis A treated?
There is no medical treatment for hepatitis A. Symptoms
usually last a week or two, although and some people can feel
sick for as long as a few months, but this is rare. Hepatitis
A does not cause chronic illness.
There is a vaccine that prevents the spread of Hepatitis A therefore
you should get vaccinated. The Hepatitis A vaccine only protects
against Hepatitis A and not other types of viral hepatitis. As
mentioned, people who have been infected are immune.
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How can I protect myself and my
partners from hepatitis A?
Vaccination is the best prevention for both you and
your sexual partners.
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What do I need to know about Hepatitis
A and HIV?
Hepatitis A can be serious illness for someone with
HIV infection. Talk to your doctor or go to a clinic if you think
you’ve been infected with hepatitis A. If you haven’t
been tested and vaccinated you should consider being vaccinated.
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