Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is easily transmitted through contaminated food and water or through a person infected by the virus. Because of this, the incidence of hepatitis in developing countries is high. Poor sanitation promotes the development and spreading of the disease.
Hepatitis A Signs and Symptoms
People infected with the virus will experience diarrhea and produce light-colored stool. Urine will be dark yellow or brownish. This will be accompanied with appetite loss, fatigue, nausea and fever. The most obvious sign of hepatitis is jaundice, the yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Contagiousness
Since all kinds of hepatitis are highly contagious, unsanitary conditions must be avoided. If you are living with an infected person, you should wash your hands immediately after contact. Sinks and toilets should be washed thoroughly with antiseptic cleaners.
Hepatitis A Treatment
There are no specific medications for hepatitis A. Patients are advised to get lots of rest, maintain a well-balanced diet, avoid alcohol and drink purified water. Infected persons should also improve his personal hygiene and sanitize his immediate surroundings.
Prevention
There are lots of things that you can do prevent catching the hepatitis virus.
- Make sure that you live in healthy conditions
- Maintain good personal hygiene
- Always drink clean water and clean food
- Wash hands often
- Take hepatitis vaccine. This is especially recommended for people who often travel abroad, have other liver diseases and have many sexual partners. Children should get their vaccines when they turn two years old. Three shot will be given, which will be spread out over a year.
Hepatitis can also be transmitted through the use of needles and syringes. Drug users who use these are at high risk for hepatitis. It is important to promote drug awareness programs in the community to prevent the spreading of the disease. And since the virus can be passed on through sexual intercourse, teenagers should be taught on the importance of abstinence and protected sex.
