Hepatitis A
What Increases Your Risk
People who practice certain behaviors or have certain jobs are at higher risk for hepatitis A. If you are a member of a high-risk group, you should receive the hepatitis A vaccine.
Risk factors for hepatitis A include:
- Eating food that has been prepared by someone who is infected with the hepatitis A virus and who has poor hygiene.
- Eating raw or undercooked shellfish (such as oysters or clams).
- Eating uncooked food (such as unpeeled fruits or vegetables) or drinking tap water or well water while traveling in countries where hepatitis A is common.
- Living in a community where hepatitis A is common and outbreaks occur (largely a risk factor for young children).
- Living in a household with someone who has hepatitis A.
Lifestyle factors that increase your risk for hepatitis A include:
- Traveling to countries where hepatitis A is common.
- Being a man who has sex with men.
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| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: November 16, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Topic Overview | |
| Cause | |
| Symptoms | |
| What Happens | |
 | What Increases Your Risk |
| When To Call a Doctor | |
| Exams and Tests | |
| Treatment Overview | |
| Prevention | |
| Home Treatment | |
| Medications | |
| Surgery | |
| Other Treatment | |
| Other Places To Get Help | |
| Related Information | |
| References | |
| Credits | |