Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes inflammation and damage to the liver. Inflammation in the liver is caused by viral infections. This may worsen the liver and do not function properly. The virus infection inflamed the liver by attacking the healthy cells of the body. Hepatitis A virus is usually transmitted by contact with food or water that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person. It can spread from one person to another.
Hepatitis A is an acute or short-term infection, which means that people can usually get better without treatment after a few weeks. Hepatitis A does not cause long-term complications, such as cirrhosis, as this infection only lasts for a short time. Hepatitis A is more common in developing countries where sanitation is poor and clean water is not available. Hepatitis A is more common in parts of Africa, Asia, Central, and South America, and Eastern Europe.
Who is more likely to get hepatitis A?
People who are more likely to have hepatitis A
- Illegal drugs users
- Men indulged in unprotected sex
- People living in developing countries
- Have sex with an infected person
- Stay with someone with hepatitis-A or taken care of someone who has hepatitis A
Complications of hepatitis A
Usually, people recover from hepatitis A without complications.
In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause liver failure. Liver failure caused by hepatitis A is more common in adults over the age of 50 years and in people with more liver disease.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A
Some people have symptoms for 2 to 6 weeks when exposed to the virus. People with Hepatitis A usually get better without treatment after a few weeks. In some cases, the symptoms can last up to 6 months. These symptoms may include
- Vomiting
- Dark yellow urine
- Gray- or clay-colored stools
- Nausea
- Joint pain
- Feeling tired
- Yellowish eyes and skin called jaundice
- Pain in the abdomen
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
Some people infected with hepatitis A, children under 6 years of age, do not see any symptoms of it. Older children and adults are more likely to have symptoms.
Causes of Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A virus causes such hepatitis and spreads through contact with the feces of an infected person. The contact may be:
- Eating food made by an infected person who does not wash hands well after using the bathroom.
- Untreated water or eating food washed in untreated water
Having close personal contact with an infected person, such as caring for someone if sick or close. Sex with an infected person.
Hepatitis A Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose hepatitis A based on symptoms and blood tests.
By taking a blood sample, the sample is sent to a laboratory for a blood test. Hepatitis A can be detected from antibodies to the hepatitis A virus in blood tests.
Hepatitis A Treatment
It may be advisable to relax in the treatment of hepatitis A, take a lot of fluids, and eat healthy food to help relieve symptoms.
The doctor may prescribe medicines to help relieve the symptoms.
Talk to your doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or other dietary supplements.
Keep showing your doctor regularly to ensure that your body is fully cured.
Prevention from Hepatitis A
- To prevent hepatitis A infection, you can use the hepatitis A vaccine. There can be a vaccine for hepatitis A.
- If you have once hepatitis A infection then you cannot have hepatitis A again. But there may be other types of viral hepatitis.
- All children should be given hepatitis A vaccines between the ages of 12 and 23 months.
- People who are more likely to be infected and have chronic liver disease should also take a vaccine. Doctors give the hepatitis A vaccine in two shots.
- The second shot of 6 to 12 months should be followed by the first shot. Both shots used to protect from hepatitis A.
Foods in Hepatitis A
If hepatitis A is there, you should eat a balanced, healthy diet. Talk to your doctor about healthy eating you should also avoid alcohol as it can cause more liver damage.