I am diagnosed with Hepatitis A

Permit me a space in your weekly health column to inquire about Hepatitis A. I was diagnosed in a laboratory of contracting the infection after I presented at hospital with some illnesses. Siddiq V. Thanks, Siddiq for your question and wishing you speedy recovery. Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A […]

Permit me a space in your weekly health column to inquire about Hepatitis A. I was diagnosed in a laboratory of contracting the infection after I presented at hospital with some illnesses.

Siddiq V.

Thanks, Siddiq for your question and wishing you speedy recovery. Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. The virus is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause inflammation and affect the liver’s ability to function.

One is likely to get hepatitis A from contaminated food or water or from close contact with a person or object that is infected. Most people who are infected recover completely with no permanent liver damage.

What are the symptoms?

Fatigue and sudden nausea and vomiting.

• Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially on the upper right side beneath your lower ribs (by your liver).
• Clay-colored bowel movements.
• Loss of appetite and low-grade fever.
• Dark urine and joint pain.
• Yellowing of the skin and of the eyes (jaundice).
• Intense itching.

These symptoms may be relatively mild and go away in a few weeks. Sometimes, however, Hepatitis A infection results in a severe illness that lasts several months.

What are the causes?

• It is caused by Hepatitis A, a virus that infects liver cells and causes inflammation. The inflammation can affect how the liver works and cause other signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A.
• The virus most commonly spreads when one eats or drinks something contaminated with fecal matter, even just tiny amounts. It does not spread through sneezing or coughing.

How Hepatitis A virus spreads?

• Eating food handled by someone with the virus who does not thoroughly wash his or her hands after visiting the toilet.
• Drinking contaminated water.
• Eating raw shellfish from water polluted with sewage
• Being in close contact with a person who is infected, even if that person has no signs or symptoms.

What are the complications?

• Unlike other types of viral hepatitis, Hepatitis A does not cause long-term liver damage, and it does not become chronic.
• In rare cases, Hepatitis A can cause a sudden loss of liver function, especially in older adults or people with chronic liver disease. Acute liver failure requires a stay in the hospital for monitoring and treatment.

What are the preventive measures?

The Hepatitis A vaccine can prevent infection with the virus. The vaccine is typically given in two shots. The first one is followed by a booster shot six months later.

If one is traveling to parts of the world where Hepatitis A outbreaks occur, these steps should be taken to prevent infection:

• Peel and wash all fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat and fish.
• Drink bottled water and use it when brushing your teeth.
• Avoid all beverages of unknown purity, with or without ice.
• If bottled water isn’t available, boil tap water before drinking it.
• Practice good hygiene and thoroughly wash your hands often, especially after visiting the toilet or changing a diaper and before preparing food or eating.

Some treatment options?

• No specific treatment exists for Hepatitis A. Your body will clear the virus on its own. In most cases of Hepatitis A, the liver heals within six months with no lasting damage.
• Hepatitis A treatment usually focuses on keeping comfortable and controlling signs and symptoms.