Learning About Hepatitis A in Children

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a virus that infects the liver. It causes the liver to become inflamed, and it can make you feel very tired and sick. It usually goes away on its own, but it can take a few months.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• Tiredness.
• Nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
• Vomiting.

Symptoms usually last about 3 months. They go away on their own in almost all cases and do not need treatment. Although hepatitis A is an infection of the liver, the disease does not lead to long-term liver problems.

How is hepatitis A treated?

There is no treatment for hepatitis A. You get better on your own. But there are things you can do to help your child feel better:

• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.
• Make sure your child eats regular meals.
• To prevent dehydration, give your child lots of fluids.

How can you prevent hepatitis A in your child?

• Talk with your child's doctor about whether your child should get the hepatitis A vaccine.
• If your child is exposed to hepatitis A, the vaccine or a shot of immunoglobulin (IG) can help prevent infection.
• Make sure you and your family wash your hands with soap and clean, running water after using the toilet and changing diapers and before preparing or eating food.
• Wash dishes in hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.
• Don't eat or drink anything that you think may have been prepared in unclean conditions.