hepatic and biliary disorders
Hepatitis A
Key Points
Hepatitis A virus is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis; it is spread by the fecal-oral route. Children<6 years old may be asymptomatic; older children and adults have anorexia, malaise, and jaundice. Fulminant hepatitis is rare, and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and cancer do not occur. Treat supportively. Routine vaccination beginning at age 1 is recommended for all. Vaccinate people at risk (eg, travelers to endemic areas, laboratory workers), and provide postexposure prophylaxis with standard immune globulin or, for some, vaccination. 