(HealthDay News) -- The hepatitis A virus can infect both children and adults, but a vaccine is available to protect everyone over the age of 1. The virus is passed from person to person, often through oral or manual contact.
Hepatitis A is not a chronic (long-term) infection, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Once a person has had hepatitis A, he cannot contract the virus again -- although symptoms may continue for a time. Most people's symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and fatigue.
The CDC recommends vaccination as the best way to prevent the virus. Also, be sure to wash your hands after using the restroom, after changing a diaper, and before handling food.
