what is hepatitis A?

The liver is located on the right side of the abdomen, just beneath the lower ribs. The liver performs many functions, including processing most of the nutrients absorbed from intestines, removing drugs, alcohol and other harmful substances from the bloodstream, and manufacturing bile — the greenish fluid stored in the gallbladder that helps digest fats. The liver also produces cholesterol, blood-clotting factors and certain other proteins. The liver has an amazing capacity for regeneration, it can heal itself by replacing or repairing injured cells. It's also constructed so that healthy cells will take over the function of damaged cells. Hepatitis A virus is one of six currently identified strains of viral hepatitis — the others are B, C, D, E and G. The strains differ in severity and in the way they spread. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Although not usually as serious as other types of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A causes inflammation that affects the liver’s ability to function. Hepatitis A virus is usually transmitted via the fecal-oral route. That means that someone with the virus handles the food you eat without first carefully washing his or her hands after using the toilet. You can also contract the virus by drinking contaminated water, eating raw shellfish from water polluted with sewage or being in close contact with a person who's infected — even if that person has no signs or symptoms. In fact, the disease is most contagious before signs and symptoms ever appear. 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 — both potentially fatal conditions. Practicing good hygiene — including washing your hands often — is one of the best ways to protect against hepatitis A. Effective vaccines are available for people who are most at risk. Some people may have hepatitis A and never develop signs or symptoms. Young children, especially, tend to have mild cases, but signs and symptoms in older children and adults are likely to be more severe. In general, you'll have the virus for up to one month its average incubation period before developing any problems. When signs and symptoms appear, they often come on suddenly, and you may mistake them for intestinal flu (gastroenteritis). Liver Combo with Milk Thistle (200 mg), Dandelion (200 mg), Licorice (50 mg), Nettle Leaf (50 mg) and Schisandra (50mg) is a powerful combination in order to protect the liver.