### What is Hepatitis E? Hepatitis E is a virus that infects your liver and can cause it to swell. Most people recover within a few months without long-term liver damage. However, it can be dangerous for pregnant women and those with weak immune systems. ### How Does it Spread? The virus spreads through fecal contamination. You can catch it by drinking or eating something that has been in contact with the stool of an infected person. It's more common in areas with poor sanitation and lack of clean water. You can also get it from undercooked meat from infected animals or raw shellfish from contaminated water. ### Symptoms Symptoms may appear 2 to 6 weeks after infection and can include: - Fever - Fatigue - Loss of appetite - Nausea - Vomiting - Abdominal pain - Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) ### Diagnosis Your doctor will ask for your medical history and symptoms. A blood or stool test can confirm the diagnosis. ### Treatment Hepatitis E usually goes away on its own in 4-6 weeks. To ease symptoms, avoid medications that can harm your liver, like acetaminophen. Pregnant women may need hospital monitoring and medication. ### Prevention There is no vaccine for Hepatitis E. To lower your risk: - Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food. - Avoid drinking unclean water. - Ensure meat is fully cooked before eating.