Hepatitis A

Board of Health

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Although rare, hepatitis A can cause death in some people. Hepatitis A usually spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person. Hepatitis A can also spread from close personal contact with an infected person such as through sex or caring for someone who is ill.

People are considered infectious two weeks before onset of symptoms and up to one week after onset of jaundice.

If you have any of the following signs and symptoms, please contact your health care provider:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Dark urine (brown in color)
  • Clay-colored bowel movement/stool
  • Joint pain
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

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hepatitis a faq's

Who is most at risk?

In Fulton County, adults with certain risky behaviors such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and illegal drug users are at risk for the disease.

Others at high risk include:

  • People who are experiencing unstable housing or homelessness
  • Individuals who are currently being treated for other infectious diseases such as HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs)
  • People with chronic liver disease including cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C
  • People who are, or were, recently incarcerated
 

SHOULD I GET VACCINATED?

Hepatitis A vaccine can prevent hepatitis A.  The hep A vaccine is recommended for:

  • Men who have sex with men
  • Illegal drug users
  • Those who are experiencing homelessness
  • International travelers


Where Can I Get the Hepatitis A Vaccine?

The hepatitis A vaccine is available at the following health centers:

  • Adamsville Regional Health Center
  • Center for Health & Rehabilitation
  • College Park (Willie J Freeman) Regional Health Center
  • Neighborhood Union Health Center
  • North Fulton Regional Health Center

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hepatitis a contacts

Adamsville Regional Health center

center for health & rehabilitation

College Park Regional Health Center

Neighborhood Union Health Center

North Fulton Regional Health Center