We just found at work that one of our co-workers has Hepatitis A. We are all concerned about contraction as we have used the same bathroom facility, phone, computer, etc. How serious is Hepatitis A and what should we do next? Thank you, kindly, for any support. Worried !!! It's not as serious as you might think. The hepatitis A virus (HAV) isn't a chronic (long-term) infection. Once you've had it, you can't get it again. It's found in the stool of infected people and is usually transmitted through household and sexual contact but can also be transmitted by the fecal-oral route (contaminated food and water), from poor sanitary conditions and poor personal hygiene. So unless you've sex with this person or have sat down on mysterious skid marks, I doubt you have anything to worry about but feel free to be tested if that will bring you peace of mind. You're very welcome & thanks for choosing my answer as the best one. Report It
You got it all wrong. It's like AIDS. Only spread through blood, semen, or vaginal secretions. Didn't you learn about this in school? http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hepatit... says:
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Although not usually as serious as other types of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A causes inflammation that affects your liver's ability to function.
You're most likely to contract hepatitis A from contaminated food or water or from close contact with someone who's already infected 鈥?even if that person doesn't appear sick. Some people who are infected never develop signs and symptoms, but others may feel as if they have a severe flu.
Mild cases of hepatitis A don't require treatment, and most people who are infected recover completely with no permanent liver damage. Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A doesn't develop into chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis 鈥?both potentially fatal conditions.
Practicing good hygiene 鈥?including washing your hands often 鈥?is one of the best ways to protect against hepatitis A. Effective vaccines are available for people who are most at risk. | 