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Home » Articles >> Hepatitis A: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment |
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Hepatitis A: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment
About Hepatitis A
Also known as infectious hepatitis, it is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). This is a mild disease comparatively and tends not progress to a chronic stage. People who have contracted the disease may have no symptoms at all.
The symptoms are normally gone within two months but in some cases, symptoms last for as long as six months. In cases of a suspected exposure, a physician should be contacted to perform the necessary blood tests for diagnosis.
Indications may include nausea, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), fever, loss of appetite, fatigue and abdominal discomfort.
Cause of Hepatitis A
The disease is usually transmitted through fecal-oral contact, when a person puts something in the mouth that has been contaminated with fecal matter. This type of transmission is mostly seen in areas where poor sanitation is present or in the case of contaminated shellfish or other seafood. Infections may also arise as a result of contact with sexual partners or others who have Hepatitis A.
Treatment of Hepatitis A
IMMUNO-GLOBULIN
This treatment contains antibodies which give short-term protection against the Hepatitis A virus before an individual is exposed. It also provides protection to those already exposed to the virus. For positive results, it must be administered before exposure or within two weeks of exposure. Immuno-globulin has been administered to pregnant women and women who are breast feeding with no adverse effects.
HEPATITIS A VACCINE
This vaccine is recommended for use before exposure to the Hepatitis A virus for patients two years of age or older. It is also used as a vaccine for those in high risk groups to contract Hepatitis A. These high-risk groups include sexually active homosexual men, patients with blood clotting difficulties, chronic liver disease sufferers and laboratory researchers. It has been estimated that immunity begins about four weeks after the first dose and lasts for at least twenty years after the vaccine is given.
People who should receive the Hepatitis A Vaccine
• International travelers - Anyone traveling to a country having a moderate to high incidence of Hepatitis A should have this vaccine. This does not only include rural or undeveloped areas because Hepatitis A can be contracted in urban settings. The first dose of the vaccine should be taken four weeks before departure since full protection is not assured until this time period has elapsed.
• Sexually active homosexual men - This risk group has frequent reports of Hepatitis A outbreaks among males (adult and adolescent).
• Chronic liver disease sufferers - Higher rates of liver failure, and possibly death, exist within this group if Hepatitis A is contracted. This group also includes those awaiting liver transplants, as well as those with cirrhosis.
• People with Hepatitis-risk occupations - Laboratory researchers, animal handlers and daycare personnel fall within this group.
• Children in high risk areas for Hepatitis A - Those of the Native American and Native Alaskan populations should be vaccinated in early childhood, since higher than average rates of Hepatitis A are found within these groups.
• Illegal drug users - Striking rates of Hepatitis A have been found among this group for both intravenous and non-intravenous drug users.
• People with blood clotting disorders – People with hemophilia who receive replacement therapy should be vaccinated to decrease the risk of transmission from clotting factor concentrates.
Preventive measures
Hepatitis A can be prevented by simply following these guidelines:
a. Practice strict hygienic habits. Wash hands thoroughly and often, with soap and water. Wash hands before and after handling food, before meals and after using the bathroom.
b. Practice safe sex at all times. Use a condom when engaging in any kind of sexual activity.
c. Do not inject illegal drugs. Cases have been reported where IV drug users have transmitted the Hepatitis A virus through IV drug use.
d. Make sure all seafood or shellfish is obtained from reputable sources. Make certain that the merchants have inspection credentials from the local health department. |
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