​Hepatitis A

Hepatitis is a disease that causes the liver to become inflamed.

Hepatitis A (HAV) is a type of hepatitis disease that is caused by consuming contaminated food or water. The disease can also be contracted through certain sexual practices with an infected individual.

Cases of hepatitis can range from mild to severe, meaning that although many people recover from HAV without any permanent negative damage, some suffer major consequences that could be life-threatening.

HAV is easily preventable by practicing good hygiene (e.g. keeping your hands clean) and through effective HAV vaccinations. It is common practice for most children to receive these vaccinations between the ages of 12 and 14 months.