Hepatitis A - meaning and definition
Alsohep AHAVhepatitis A virusHAV infection
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Hepatitis A is a short-term viral liver infection usually spread through contaminated food or water, but it can also pass on during sex involving oral-anal contact.
At a glance
- Hepatitis A is a short-term viral infection of the liver.
- It usually spreads through contaminated food or water.
- It can also pass on during sex involving oral-anal contact.
- It usually clears on its own without long-term liver damage.
- A vaccine is available for travellers and people at higher risk through sex.
In detail
Hepatitis A spreads when tiny traces of faeces from an infected person reach someone else's mouth. Outbreaks linked to sexual contact have been reported, particularly among men who have sex with men.
It often causes tiredness, nausea and yellowing of the skin, then clears on its own without long-term damage. A vaccine is available and is offered to travellers and to people at higher risk through sex.
In a sentence
- Before the trip, the travel clinic gave her a hepatitis A vaccine.
- The health service ran a hepatitis A vaccination drive during the outbreak.
Where the word comes from
"Hepatitis" combines the Greek "hepar" (liver) with "-itis" (inflammation); the letter distinguishes it from other hepatitis viruses.
Not to be confused with
- Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can become a long-term infection, while hepatitis A does not.
Common questions
Is hepatitis A an STI?
It is mainly spread through contaminated food or water, but it can pass on during sex involving oral-anal contact. Outbreaks linked to sex have been reported, particularly among men who have sex with men.
Is there a vaccine for hepatitis A?
Yes. A vaccine is offered to travellers and to people at higher risk through sex. A sexual health clinic or travel clinic can advise.