Hepatitis A

What is hepatitis A and how does it spread? 

Hepatitis A is caused by a contagious virus that infects the liver, and can lead to serious liver problems. There is a vaccine that prevents the virus.

The virus spreads through the feces (poop) of people who have the virus. If a person with the virus doesn’t wash his or her hands after going to the bathroom, feces can transfer to objects, food, drinks or drugs. When these things are shared, other people can unknowingly swallow the virus. If a person who has the virus comes in close contact with others—like during sex—the virus can also spread.

Symptoms: 

A person can have hepatitis A for up two weeks without feeling sick but during that time can spread the virus to others. Symptoms usually start two to six weeks after infection and last less than two months.

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Diarrhea
• Clay-colored bowel movements
• Joint pain
• Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)

Viral Hepatitis - No-cost Testing & Vaccination Referral 

By appointments only.

Call 904-253-1850 to set up an appointment for

• Hepatitis A & B Vaccines
• Chronic Hepatitis Panel testing

Location:
Central Health Plaza
515 W 6th Street
Jacksonville, FL 32206

* You must be 18 years or older and have one or more of the risk factors listed below.

Viral Hepatitis Risk Factors 

• People born outside of the United States
• People born 1945-1965
• People who are immunocompromised
• People with HIV/AIDS, or STDs
• Gay and Bisexual or men who have sex with men
• People who use or inject illicit recreational drugs
• People experiencing homelessness
• People diagnosed with chronic or long-term liver disease
• People who share needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment
• People living in jail or prison
• People with body piercings or tattoos (in the past year)
• Household contact or sexual partner of person with hepatitis
• People with multiple sexual partners
• People who snort drugs
• Victims of sexual assault or abuse
• People over 60 with a serious medical condition
• People with a clotting-factor disorder

For a complete list of risks refer to the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis

The vaccine and handwashing can stop the spread. 

Talk to your healthcare provider or call 904-253-1862 for information about the vaccine.

Wash your hands after you use the bathroom—alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill hepatitis A germs. Use soap and warm, running water and wash for at least 20 seconds.

WASH BEFORE YOU: prepare food or work with food that isn’t already packaged.

WASH AFTER YOU: use the bathroom; touch people or public surfaces; change a diaper; cough, sneeze or use a tissue; use tobacco; and eat or drink.