
Hepatitis A is a short-term viral infection causing inflammation of the liver. Infection can be prevented by receiving the hepatitis A vaccine.
Most people who get hepatitis A feel sick for several weeks, but they usually recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage. Many children and adults who become infected never develop symptoms however they can still spread the virus. For those who do have symptoms, they usually develop two to six weeks after being exposed. Symptoms include fever, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine and yellow skin (jaundice).