Diagnosing Hepatitis A
Three out of every four adults who get hepatitis A have symptoms that usually develop over a period of several days.
Hepatitis A does not always cause symptoms, but adults are more likely to have symptoms than children.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include:
- tiredness
- loss of appetite
- fever
- nausea
- abdominal pain or discomfort
- jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- darker colored urine
- rash
A person can spread the hepatitis A virus (HAV) about one week before symptoms appear and during the first week of symptoms.
People with no symptoms can still spread the virus. This often happens with young children who unknowingly spread HAV to older children and adults.
Unlike hepatitis B and hepatitis C, hepatitis A causes no long-term liver damage and usually does not cause death.
There is no chronic carrier state with hepatitis A. Having had the disease produces lifelong immunity from future hepatitis A virus infection.
Testing for hepatitis A
To diagnose hepatitis A, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include:
- blood tests — to look for hepatitis A antibodies (proteins that your body has made to fight the hepatitis A virus)
- liver function studies
- liver biopsy — removal of a sample of liver tissue to be examined (only in severe cases)
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