Help me out here: what is hepatitis a?

Viral infection: Viral infection of liver, caused by fecal/oral contamination. Can be from "bad" food, water, hygiene. Leads to acute liver infalmmation; most cases don't have symptoms; can have fatigue, jaundice, aches, fever, nausea, weight loss, distaste for tobacco and protein. Most cases resolve without longterm sequelae; 1% acute mortality rate from acute liver failure. Can get vaccine against it.

A virus: Several viruses r known to cause inflammation of the liver (hepatitis). They are named by the sequence in which they were discovered (i.e., a, b, c, etc.). Hepatitis a is usually transmitted from infected stool contaminating what you eat or drink. It is rarely extremely severe, recovery produces lasting immunity. There is a very effective vaccine available when in areas with poor hygiene.