Hepatitis A Symptoms - Early Warning Signs
What are the Early Symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Upon developing the hepatitis A symptoms, some people experience a mild illness that can last for multiple weeks. On the other hand, many face more severe issues that remain persistent for months. The symptoms of hepatitis A are not usually dangerous. Almost every person infected with the virus recovers through ample rest and following the doctor’s instructions.
Introduction
Commonly referred to as hep A, hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection that occurs from the hepatitis A virus. Fatigue, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), and abdominal pain are some symptoms. In this blog, you will get comprehensive information about the individual hepatitis A symptoms. This knowledge will empower you to take care of yourself if you notice any concerning signs.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that occurs when a person comes in contact with the HAV, or hepatitis A virus. The transmission of this type of virus typically takes place through direct contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food.
After your body is infected, the virus causes inflammation in your liver. Most of the time, the hepatitis A symptoms resolve without any medical intervention.
What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis A?
The most common early-stage Hep A symptoms are as follows:
- Stomach ache in the upper right quadrant
- Jaundice symptoms include the yellowing of your skin and eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Dark coloured urine
- Vomiting
- Itching
- Pale-coloured stool
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
The symptoms of hepatitis A can normally be sensed within two to seven weeks after exposure to the virus.
What is Hepatitis B?
Like hep A, hepatitis B is also a viral infection that affects your liver. Its effects can be brief, and there may not be any apparent symptoms, particularly in the case of acute hepatitis B. However, some people may also suffer from long-term hepatitis B or a chronic form of the virus, which can further lead to liver failure and cirrhosis.
Hepatitis A vs B Symptoms
While most hepatitis A and B symptoms tend to overlap, the primary difference lies in how the viruses spread and who is at risk. Here you can find a brief breakdown of it:
| Point of Difference | Hepatitis A | Hepatitis B |
| Symptoms | Hepatitis A signs and symptoms spread from one person to another and generally involve mild illness. Conditions like poor appetite, mild fever, yellow skin, nausea and fatigue always go away on their own without causing long-term liver damage. | A few people may not be able to clear the effects of the virus from their bodies, leading to long-term consequences. As a result, hepatitis B may cause liver cancer or complete liver failure. |
| How Does the Virus Spread | Raw vegetables, fruits, shellfish, or undercooked foods are some common causes for hepatitis A outbreaks. These foods may become contaminated when touched by an infected individual. | Hepatitis B virus usually spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids. For instance, an infected mother can potentially pass the hepatitis B virus to their baby during childbirth. |
| Risk factors | A fundamental risk factor arises when someone moves to a place with high hepatitis A infection rates. Additionally, consuming raw street food and drinking tap water can further increase the risk. | People who engage in drug abuse or have multiple sex partners have a greater chance of developing hepatitis B. Moreover, individuals living with someone who has chronic hepatitis B or healthcare workers regularly exposed to blood must take proper precautions. |
While analysing the hepatitis A, B and C symptoms, medical experts have found the latter two strains of the virus to be life-threatening. Both hepatitis B and C have the potential to cause chronic liver disease. However, hepatitis C is typically transmitted via blood-to-blood contact. On the other hand, an individual may get exposed to hepatitis B from another infected person’s body fluids.
Considering their effects, both hepatitis B and C are known to produce reactions similar to the hepatitis A symptoms. These include:
- Dark yellow urine
- Pale or grey stools
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin
Although both hepatitis B and C cause chronic liver disease. The bright part is that highly effective antiviral treatments now exist to reverse the symptoms of hepatitis C. Chronic Hepatitis B is managed with antivirals (tenofovir/entecavir) to control replication.
Hepatitis A Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will first recommend a blood test to examine whether there are high levels of liver enzymes in your bloodstream. After that, a portion of your blood sample will be taken for testing to verify the respective hepatitis antibodies and antigens.
Antigens are present in the hepatitis virus, while antibodies are made by an individual's immune system to eradicate the viral infection. Two types of antibodies fight against the hepatitis virus:
1. IgM (Immunoglobulin M) Antibodies
A person's body first produces these antibodies when they are subject to the hepatitis A virus for the very first time. They remain in your body for approximately 3-6 months.
2. IgG (immunoglobulin G) Antibodies
These antibodies emerge after your body has experienced hepatitis A symptoms for some time. Your blood may carry IgG antibodies throughout your life. Therefore, a positive test result for IgG without IgM antibodies indicates a prior occurrence of hepatitis A infection or vaccination.
Hepatitis A Treatment
No medication is proven to eradicate the symptoms of hepatitis A once a person gets it. Still, it is essential to visit a doctor for supportive care until the symptoms go away.
Further, you can take these measures to feel a bit better:
1. Get Ample Rest
Getting enough rest is crucial, as patients who are diagnosed with hepatitis normally feel tired and have less energy than other people.
2. Eat Small Portions Throughout the Day
Sometimes, the early warning signs of hepatitis are accompanied by nausea, which can make it difficult to eat. Hence, to ensure proper nutrient intake, you can decide to snack throughout the day instead of going for full meals.
3. Avoid Alcohol
It becomes too harsh for your liver to process medications and alcohol simultaneously when you are already infected with the hepatitis A virus. Moreover, consumption of alcohol can further deteriorate your liver health. So, you should avoid it.
Finally, you must inform your doctor beforehand about any over-the-counter medications that you take over the counter, as those can also have an impact on your liver.
Final Words
Hepatitis A symptoms call for specific steps to ease the situation, and particularly, to have any treatment. The virus is transmitted through contact with an infected person or consumption of contaminated food or drink. Therefore, doctors prescribe a specialised vaccine appropriate for children and certain adults.
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Information on the Symptom page is for general awareness purposes and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment. T & C apply For further detailed information or inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at marketing.d2c@starhealth.in