What is Hepatitis A ?

Hepatitis A is an infectious disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus. This infection however causes inflammation of the liver. Most people usually recover fully  from this infection with no permanent liver damage.

In what ways can I get infected with the hepatitis A virus ?

The virus is mostly found in the stool and blood of an infected person. An infected person can have the virus for 15 to 45 days before symptoms appear. The virus infecte the liver and causes inflammation when  a person ingests small amounts of contaminated fecal matter. Most people with this infection remains asymptomatic.

You can also get the virus through the following ways :

 
• being in direct contact with an infected individual
• have sex with an infected person
• consuming water contaminated with the virus
• eating raw fish from water contaminated with the virus
• when an infected person handles food you are about to eat without carefully washing their hands or after using the bathroom

Am I at risk ?

People at risk of hepatitis A includes :

 
• males who have sexual contact with other men
• working in a healthcare  food or sewage industry
• people living in nursing homes
• having HIV
• living in an infected person
• receiving  clotting-factor concentrates for hemophilia or another medical condition
• travelling to areas with high incidence of the disease

What symptoms are associated with hepatitis A ?

Most people remain asymptomatic. Symptoms , if they  appear usually show up 2 to 6 weeks after being infected with the virus. These include

 
• jaundice
• low-grade fever
• abdominal pain and discomfort
• nausea and vomiting
• dark urine
• pale or clay colored stool
• itching

How do I care for someone with hepatitis A ?

There is no specific treatment for this disease. The body usually gets rid of the virus on its own.

You may however use these steps to manage your symptom.

Get enough rest.

Avoid drugs such as acetaminophen and alcohol that are toxic to the body.

Foods that contain lots of fat may cause vomiting so try to avoid it especially during the acute phase of the illness.

How can I protect my baby from hepatitis A ?

The hepatitis A vaccine protects you from the virus.  This shot is given in 2 doses. It is given between the first and second birthdays (ages 12 to 23 months) at least 6 months apart.

Other precautionary measures to prevent infection includes :

Avoiding unclean food and water.

Practicing good personal hygiene such as washing your hands after using the bathroom.

Being careful with what you eat and drink when visiting areas with high incidence of the disease.
 
Content Sources