HEPATITIS A
Hepatitis is a medical condition that causes inflammation of the liver as a result of exposure to toxins, alcohol abuse , immune disorders or infections.
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by Hepatitis A virus. People with mild Hepatitis A do not even require treatment. In most cases, full recovery is possible with no long term damage to the liver.
What are its Symptoms?
Not everybody with Hepatitis A present symptoms. Also, in most cases symptoms do not occur until a few weeks.
- Sudden nausea & vomiting
- Tiredness
- Pain in the abdomen
- Clay coloured stool
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Jaundice
What are the causes?
Hepatitis A virus is contagious and can spread by:
- Drinking contaminated water
- Eating food handled or prepared by a person who has the virus
- Having sex with someone who has the virus
- Being in close contact with someone who’s infected
What are the risk Factors?
A person is at an increased risk of getting Hepatitis A if he/she:
- Lives with a person who has Hepatitis A
- Has any type of sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A
- Is HIV positive
- Uses any kind of illegal drugs
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor may recommend for blood tests to check for a viral or bacterial infection. Blood test can reveal presence of absence of the virus.
What are the complications?
Hepatitis A virus doesn’t generally cause any long term complications. In rare cases, especially in older adults or those with chronic liver disease, a sudden loss of liver function may occur.
How is it treated?
Treatment is typically focussed on managing the symptoms. Following are some simple steps that make you better:
- Get good rest
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Avoid Alcohol
- Maintain a healthy diet
How is it treated?
Hepatitis A vaccine prevents the disease in about 95% adults. The vaccine if administered in a series of two injections 6 months apart and is effective for over 20 years.
Good hygiene is also vital. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap after using the restroom, before & after eating.
