Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter (even in microscopic amounts) from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces or stool of an infected person.  This is one of the main reasons why restaurant staff and food handlers are  required by law to wash their hands after using restroom facilities. It can also be spread by certain sexual activities, such as oral-anal contact with an infected person.

Most people who get Hepatitis A feel sick for several months, but they usually recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage. Sometimes Hepatitis A can cause liver failure although this is very rare and occurs almost exclusively in older people with other medical problems or with other liver diseases.

The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is by getting vaccinated. This vaccine is currently recommended for people with liver diseases, including those infected with Hepatitis B or C. In addition, the vaccine can be given to any person who desires protection from Hepatitis A.