Hepatitis A virus, or simply HAV, is a type of virus that specifically causes hepatitis A, which is an infectious liver disease. It belongs to the Picornaviridae family, which includes other viruses such as poliovirus and rhinovirus.
HAV is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food and water or direct contact with an infected person's feces. Upon entering the body, the virus targets and infects liver cells, leading to inflammation and dysfunction of the liver.
Common symptoms of hepatitis A virus infection include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), loss of appetite, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. However, some individuals, particularly young children, may display no symptoms at all.
The incubation period for HAV ranges from two to six weeks, meaning it can take this amount of time for symptoms to manifest after initial exposure. The virus is highly contagious during the two weeks before symptoms appear, making early detection and isolation crucial to prevent further spread.
Fortunately, hepatitis A infection is usually self-limiting and does not lead to chronic liver disease. Most people recover fully within a few weeks to months, although some cases may require hospitalization for supportive care.
Prevention measures for hepatitis A virus include maintaining proper hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly, practicing safe food handling, particularly when traveling to regions with high infection rates, and receiving the hepatitis A vaccine, which provides immunity against the virus.
