
Hepatitis A symptoms
Disease description:
A friend of mine was diagnosed with hepatitis A at the hospital. Is this disease contagious? What are the symptoms?

Hepatitis A, commonly known as HAV, is an acute liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis A virus. Its initial symptoms may be mild and nonspecific. However, as the disease progresses, common symptoms include:
1. **Fatigue:** Persistent general weakness, which may be one of the earliest symptoms.
2. **Digestive problems:** Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, sometimes accompanied by abdominal discomfort, especially pain in the liver area (upper right quadrant of the abdomen).
3. **Jaundice:** A characteristic feature of hepatitis A,表现为 yellowing of the skin and eyes, caused by accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream.
4. **Dark urine:** Urine may darken in color, sometimes resembling strong tea.
5. **Pale stools:** Stools may become lighter than usual or appear clay-colored, indicating reduced bile flow.
Hepatitis A generally does not lead to chronic liver disease. Most people recover naturally within a few weeks to months and develop lifelong immunity. If a person experiences these symptoms, prompt medical attention is recommended.