Hepatitis A is an infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, which leads to inflammation of the liver. It is the most common type of viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis A occurs in the UK, but it is more common in other countries where sanitation and sewage disposal can be poor, particularly those in Africa, northern and southern Asia, Central America and southern and eastern Europe. It mostly affects children and young adults.
The virus is usually caught by putting something in your mouth that has been contaminated with the stools (faeces) of someone with hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A is usually an acute (short-term) infection. Though the symptoms can be unpleasant, it is rarely serious.
Hepatitis A can occur at any age. The incubation period (the time from coming into contact with the virus to developing the infection) is approximately two to six weeks.
Liver
The liver is the largest organ in the body. Its main jobs are to secrete bile (to help digestion), detoxify the blood and change food into energy.
Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Stools
Stool (also known as faeces) is the solid waste matter that is passed from the body as a bowel movement.
Acute
Acute means occurring suddenly or over a short period of time.
