What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the Liver, located on the right side of the abdomen below the rib cage. People with Hepatitis A shed the virus in their bowel movements.
How it is transmitted?
- If infected people do not wash their hands properly after they use the bathroom, they can have the virus in their hands &can spread it to anything they touch, including food, water & other people.
- Faeco oral Route(FO Route)-
- Use of any illegal drugs
- Homosexuals
- Personal contact
- Blood transfusion
Symptoms
Initially
- Flu-like symptoms
- Feeling tired
- Nausea or vomiting
- No appetite
- Fever higher than 38 degree Celsius- 100.4 F
- Pain under the right side of the rib cage & belly
- Rash
- Arthralgia
Later on
- Dark colored urine
- Light color bowel movements
- Jaundice
- The white part of the eyes turns yellow
- Itchy skin
Diagnosis
Blood work which includes Serum IGM anti HAV antibody remains detectable B- 6 months
Treatment
- Plenty of rest
- Do not return to work till a febrile, your appetite is back and your Jaundice has resolved.
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid certain medications.
Can it be prevented? – Yes
- Wash thoroughly your hands for 30 seconds after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, touching garbage
- Drinking clean water & food
- Cook meat & seafood well done
- No unpasteurized milk
- Preventive vaccinations for babies and adults(for babies- 1st dose at o months and 2nd dose after 6 months)
There is an exceptional condition called Fulminant Hepatic Failure which mostly affects people above 50 years of age. It has co-infection with Hep B or C. It should be treated in a Hepatobiliary center as many need Liver transplantation.
Watch the video by Dr. Sanjay Sen
