Should we be tested for Hep A?

Question

My sister who lives in Canada was diagnosed with hep a. We have not had any contact with her but although my parents went to visit her. Should we be tested since we have been in contact with my parents. And my parents do not know if they have yet in the process of being tested. Also if someone has Hep b or C can they give someone Hep A

Answer 1

I went to the Dominican Republic in August and came back fine..then three days later I felt HORRIBLE. I puked, felt sick to my stomach, slept all the time..this went on for 4 days and then I called the doctor. When I was in the DR it was for a missions trip and we stayed in their village..ate their food, etc. The doctor tested me for malaria, typhoid fever, all kinds of things! She took my blood and it came back positive for hep A. She told me its basically the flu and within 2 weeks it was gone. Personally, if you have hep A you will KNOW. I got it from contaminated water, not a person. But I'm fine now!

Answer 2

If you have not been near your sister, you most likely have not been exposed to hep A. Hep A is passed via fecal / oral route (poor handwashing after bathroom ). It is possible your parents may have been exposed. Usually with hep A there is an acute outbreak. In other words, people who are exposed usually get some symptoms like extreme fatigue, jaundice, etc. They may want to be tested to be sure.
If someone has hep b or hep c, they cannot give someone hep A. Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) is completely different than HBV or HCV. The only similarity is all three cause liver inflammation. Most people recover from HAV (unless it kills them); most people recover from HBV, too, but most people with HCV go on to have chronic infection. Hope this helps.