What Is Hepatitis A? What Are The Causes, Symptoms, Treatment And Preventions

What Is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A, also called hep A, is a deadly liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Some people have only a moderate illness that lasts a few weeks. Others have more critical problems that can last months. You normally get the disease when you eat or drink something infected by poop from a person who has the virus. The hepatitis A virus ordinarily is not dangerous. Nearly everyone who has it gets better. But because it can take a while to go on, you will want to take responsibility for yourself in the meantime. Most people who are affected recover completely with no permanent liver damage. Following good hygiene, including washing hands regularly, is one of the best ways to defend against hep A . Vaccines are available for people more in danger.

Causes of hepatitis A

What are the causes of hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that affects the liver cells and causes inflammation. The swelling can affect how your liver operates and cause other signs and symptoms of hepatitis A. The virus most usually spreads when you eat or drink something contaminated with fecal matter, even just small amounts. It does not spread by sneezing or coughing. Here are some of the particular ways the hepatitis A virus can spread:

  • Eating food by someone with the virus who does not completely wash his or her hands after handling the toilet
  • Drink contaminated water
  • Eating raw shellfish from water polluted with sewerage
  • Being in close connection with a person who is infected even if that person has no sign or symptoms
  • Having sex with someone who has the infection

Symptoms of hepatitis A

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A? Hepatitis A signs and symptoms typically don’t look until you have had the virus for several weeks. But not everyone with hepatitis A produces them. If you do, hepatitis sign and symptoms can involve:

  • Fatigue
  • Precipitate nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort, usually on the upper right side beneath your lower ribs
  • Clay-colored bowel movements
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dark urine
  • Joint pain
  • Low-grade fever
  • Yellowing of the skin and the whitening of your eyes
  • Intense itching

These symptoms may be comparatively mild and go away in a few weeks. Sometimes, hepatitis A infection occurs in a severe illness that lasts several months.

Treatment of hepatitis A

How can you treat hepatitis A? No special treatment exists for hepatitis A. Your body will remove the hepatitis A virus on its own. In most instances of hepatitis A, the liver heals within six months with no permanent damage. Hepatitis A treatment normally focuses on keeping comfortable and controlling signs and symptoms. You may require to;

  •  Rest– Many people with the hepatitis A virus feel tired and sick and have less energy.
  • Manage nausea– Nausea can cause it difficult to eat. Try snacking during the day rather than eating full meals. To get sufficient calories, eat more high-calorie food. For instance, drink fruit juice or milk sooner than water. Drinking plenty of fluids is necessary to prevent dehydration if vomiting occurs.
  • Avoid alcohol and use of medication with care– Your liver may have trouble processing medications and alcohol. If you have hepatitis, don’t drink alcohol. It can cause more liver injury. Speak to your doctor about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

The vaccine to stop it is about 95% effective in healthy adults and can work for more than 20 years. In children, it’s about 85% efficient and can last 15 to 20 years.

Experts confirm that certain people get vaccinated:

  • Travelers to countries with further hepatitis A infections
  • Infants 6 to 11 months old who will be traveling purposely
  • Children at 1 year old
  • Families raising children from countries where the virus is common.
  • Men who have sex among men
  • People who have a blood clotting difficulty
  • That enduring homelessness
  • People who have close contact with a person with the virus
  • People who handle recreational drugs
  • People who have prolonged-term liver disease
  • Anyone else who needs to be protected against the virus.

The hepatitis A vaccine comprises two injections 6 months apart. A  joining vaccine for hepatitis A and B has three shots over 6 months.

How Can Type A Hepatitis Be prevented?

Good hygiene decreases the risk of infection:

  • Wash fruits and vegetables during trips to countries with inadequate sanitary conditions.
  • Bottled water is usually safer than water from the tap, but ice cubes may be made from contaminated water.
  • Remember that shellfish can be infected by human sewage.

If a household member has affected with the type A virus, the following is suggested:

  • Always wash your hands with soap and water
  • Good hygiene in connection with the food preparation
  • Have a separate towel for each member
  • Clothes that have been contaminated by stool should be washed immediately.
  • Wear disposable gloves when helping the sick family.

Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by john liam