FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam 2025 - Free NABP Practice Questions and Study Guide

Hepatitis A is predominantly transmitted through the fecal-oral route, which means that the virus is spread when a person ingests food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person. This transmission method is particularly common in areas with poor sanitation, where proper handwashing after using the restroom is not practiced. The virus can survive on surfaces and in food, leading to outbreaks when such contaminated items are consumed.

While it is important to note that Hepatitis A can be present in the feces even before symptoms appear, the primary means of transmission revolves around the ingestion of contaminated food or drink. This is why vaccination, as well as ensuring safe food and water practices, are critical in controlling outbreaks and protecting populations from this infection. Other transmission routes such as blood transfusions, sexual contact, or inhalation of aerosols do not play a significant role in the spread of Hepatitis A, which is why they are not the primary methods of transmission for this virus.