CAUSE  Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This disease is contagious. It is spread from person to person. Hepatitis A is a can affect all over the world, but the main place it has always effected is the United States. Hepatitis A is a disease that is spread through contaminated food such as raw shellfish, dirty water. They can become infected by Hepatitis A when an infected person spreads this disease by , cooking utensils, or someone else's fingers. People at most risk is the people that are always around other people that may have Hepatitis A and are always around people that aren't infected.

SPREAD The vaccine is available for people starting at age 1 or 2. In high endemic countries, there are no symptoms if a child catches it until they are teenagers or adults. Transmission is usually associated with unsanitary places. A person takes in contaminated food, and then catches the disease. About 10-15 days after a person catches Hepatitis A, the infection can be shown in the blood and feces.

PREVENTION Hepatitis A is a very harsh disease to get, but fortunately it can be prevented. If you haven't had a vaccination for Hepatitis A it is advised that you do so. Keeping clean and sanitary can help prevent Hepatitis A, which is a liver disease. It can affect anyone. Vaccines are available for people 12 months of age or older. The vaccine for Hepatitis A is a long-term prevention. To avoid getting Hepatitis A doctors have suggested the following: 1. Wash hands for a minute after using the restroom and before and after eating 2. Use clean utensils 3. DON'T prepare food for other people while you are actively infected

TREATMENT There is no exact medication that can cure the infected Hepatitis A. Most people don't have to have a treatment, so they have to relieve symptoms. If you have ever been exposed to a person that has Hepatitis A, usually there is a treatment that can help it so it won't become infected. It is immune globulin and is most likely to be most effective in 2 weeks. Doctors can also help you by making sure you have enough nutrients and avoid permanent liver damage. Most people that are in the process of being cured eat soft food and easy to digest food. Doctors may also recommend that you stop drinking alcohol or any other type of drug or medication that is not helping you.