What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is typically a short-term illness, and most people recover completely within a few weeks to months. In rare cases, it can cause severe symptoms and serious liver complications, particularly in older adults and people with existing liver disease.
Outbreaks in Virginia and across the U.S. have been connected to gaps in vaccination and access to sanitation, making prevention and community-based outreach especially important.
Hepatitis A Fast Facts
Short term illness
Vaccine available
Most people
recover fully
Hepatitis A is
preventable
How it Spreads
Food and water
Close contact
Poor hygiene
Sexual contact
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is commonly spread through eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis A also spreads through close personal contact with someone who is infected, poor hand hygiene, and sexual contact.
Why Testing Matters
Prevent spreading to others
Identify outbreaks
Monitor more severe illnes
Hepatitis A Test Results
HAV IgM antibody test: Indicates a current or recent infection
HAV IgG antibody test: Indicates past infection or immunity (including from vaccination)
Treatment and Recovery
Rest
Hydration
Symptom
management
There is no specific
antiretroviral treatment
for Hepatitis A.
Prevention
Prevent
Hepatitis A
Vaccination
Handwashing
Save food and water
Good hygiene
If you aren’t sure whether you’ve been vaccinated for hep A, a blood test can tell if you are protected.
Who Should
Get Vaccinated?
Travel to areas where hep A is common
Use drugs
Homeless or unstable housing
Close contact with someone with hep A
Have chronic liver disease
Haven’t been vaccinated for hep A
Get vaccinated if you are not already protected
Get tested if you have symptoms or possible exposure
Take precautions to prevent spreading infection to others
Take the Next Step
Hepatitis A is preventable. Vaccination is the best protection.
Find a vaccination or testing site near you.
